Report claims US pressure to resume aid part of deal for Edan Alexander

A report in Israel Hayom claims that the US agreed to pressure Israel into resuming humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of an indirect arrangement for the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander last week, despite American claims that he was freed as a goodwill gesture.

According to the report, the deal — coordinated through contacts between American officials and senior Hamas figures — led Israel to renew aid deliveries into Hamas-controlled areas before new distribution centers designed to keep the aid away from Hamas were ready.

The IDF has since expedited preparations for its revised distribution system, but in the meantime, supplies such as baby formula, medical equipment, fuel, and basic foodstuffs are being delivered using the same methods as in the past.

While international aid organizations are tasked with overseeing the distribution, Israeli officials acknowledge that Hamas is likely to divert a significant portion of the supplies.

Sources in Washington reportedly said the arrangement is intended as a temporary measure that secures continued US support for Israel’s military operation and will help facilitate progress in ceasefire and hostage release negotiations.