Israel has announced it is ready to implement the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan. The announcement came after Hamas said it was willing to enter negotiations for the release of hostages under the plan.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel will work in full cooperation with Trump and his team to ensure the plan’s implementation. The statement emphasized readiness to release all hostages as part of the initial phase. However, it did not address Trump’s demand to immediately halt bombing operations in Gaza.
Hamas confirmed it would negotiate the exchange of hostages but stressed that discussions are still needed on disarmament and Gaza’s future governance. The group also stated it would transfer Gaza’s administration to a Palestinian technocratic body backed by Arab and Islamic states. However, Hamas rejected international oversight, including Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace.”
Israel’s military leadership held meetings with senior commanders and hostage negotiators to assess operational readiness. Troops in Southern Command were placed on high alert, focusing on defensive operations while preparing for the sensitive first phase. Planned ground operations in Gaza City have been paused to reduce military activity.
The first phase of the Gaza Peace Plan is believed to involve the immediate release of all Israeli hostages in Gaza, the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in Israel, preparations for a staged Israeli military withdrawal, and initial arrangements for Gaza’s post-war administration.
The conflict, triggered by Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, has killed over 1,200 Israelis and left 251 in captivity. More than 66,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have died since Israel launched its offensive. Gaza remains heavily damaged, with humanitarian crises worsening due to restricted aid access.
Analysts say the partial agreement to implement the Gaza Peace Plan opens a window for negotiations, though significant challenges remain. Both sides face pressure to resolve the conflict while ensuring the safe release of hostages.
In other related news also read Hamas Accepts Portions Of Trump Gaza Peace Plan, Seeks Negotiations
