Hamas announced on Sunday night (Monday AEST) it had agreed to free Alexander, 21, after several days of talks with the United States as part of an effort to reach a ceasefire and resume the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The group handed Alexander to the Red Cross on Monday, and he returned to Israeli soil shortly later. 

Netanyahu’s office said in a statement on Monday that Israel has not committed to a ceasefire, nor the release of any Palestinian prisoners, only to “a safe corridor that will allow for Edan’s release”.

In a post on social media Sunday night, Trump said he hoped the release would lead to the “end (of) this brutal conflict”. But the long-time Israeli prime minister has said that “negotiations will take place under fire”.

Alexander’s parents fought tirelessly for his release.

Speaking to CNN in March, Yael said she prayed and hoped she would see her son again.

“I’m a mum I just want to hold him again, and to say ‘Edan, you’re safe, you’re home’,” she said.