An Israeli-American hostage has been released from 19 months of captivity in Gaza during a brief pause in fighting and reunited with his family. Still, Israeli strikes on the battered enclave soon resumed.
Israel's military on Monday received Edan Alexander, 21, from the International Committee of the Red Cross, which facilitated his transfer from the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Alexander was taken to an Israeli military facility and joined by his family. Video showed that his mother, Yael Alexander, cried as she hugged him, saying: "How strong you are. I love you so much, Edan. We were so worried."
Alexander kissed and embraced his father, brother and sister as well. An Israeli Air Force helicopter then took Alexander and his family to a hospital where he was to receive treatment.
Alexander was the last living American held by Hamas, and Israel's Channel 12 said his condition was "low", without citing a source. In photos provided by Israel, he looked pale but in good spirits.
Fighting halted at midday in Gaza after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would pause its operations to allow for the hostage release.
Palestinian health officials reported Israeli tank shelling and an air attack after the hostage handover, and there was no deal in a broader truce or hostage releases as monitors warned of famine in the devastated enclave.
After Israeli fire resumed, authorities in Gaza said an airstrike killed three people and wounded several others at a shelter housing displaced families in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.
A woman was killed and several other people wounded when tank shells hit a school housing displaced families in the Tuffah neighbourhood in the north of Gaza.
Hamas said it freed Alexander as a goodwill gesture to US President Donald Trump, who is visiting the region this week.
"Edan Alexander, American hostage thought dead, to be released by Hamas. Great news!" Trump wrote on social media earlier on Monday.
Netanyahu said Alexander's release came thanks to Israel's military pressure in Gaza and political pressure from Trump.
In a photo taken on the military helicopter and released by Israel, Alexander held a sign reading: "Thank you, President Trump."
With AAP.
