Ceasefire negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza will take place immediately after the release of US-Israeli hostage Eden Alexander, CNN reported on Monday. “We’re going to go into immediate peace deal negotiations,” a source knowledgeable about the talks between the US and Hamas said. The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing Arab sources, that indirect talks between Hamas and Israel are being held regarding the release of additional hostages, a ceasefire, and the resumption of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. According to these sources, Israel will send a delegation to Cairo later on Monday to participate in the negotiations. In response to the report, sources in Israel said, “The matter has not yet been agreed upon, but we are prepared for an immediate departure of a delegation if necessary.” Following the news on Sunday about Alexander’s impending release, Trump wrote on TruthSocial: “I am grateful to all those involved in making this monumental news happen. This was a step taken in good faith towards the United States and the efforts of the mediators — Qatar and Egypt — to put an end to this very brutal war and return ALL living hostages and remains to their loved ones. Hopefully this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict. I look very much forward to that day of celebration!” Israeli senior officials have emphasized that the war in Gaza will continue following Alexander’s release. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, US officials told Israel that Alexander’s release is expected to lead to negotiations for a broader hostage release deal, according to the original Witkoff plan, which Israel has already accepted. “Under Israel’s policy,” the statement said, “negotiations will take place under fire, with a full commitment to achieving all the objectives of the war.” The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement on Monday morning saying that Israel did not agree to a ceasefire or a release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Alexander’s release, but did agree to secure a safe passage for his release. (YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)