According to the Israeli military, it has been instructed to “advance readiness” for implementing the plan. Israel has moved to a defensive-only position in Gaza and will not conduct active strikes, although no forces have been withdrawn from the territory
Demonstrators hold a protest in solidarity with Gaza in Paris on Saturday. PIC/AFP
Israel’s army announced on Saturday that it would advance preparations for the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and facilitate the return of all remaining hostages, news agency AP reported. The move comes as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 67,000.
According to the Israeli military, it has been instructed to “advance readiness” for implementing the plan. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israel has moved to a defensive-only position in Gaza and will not conduct active strikes, although no forces have been withdrawn from the territory.
The announcement followed Trump’s directive for Israel to halt bombings after Hamas indicated acceptance of certain elements of his peace plan, AP reported.
Trump welcomed Hamas’ statement, saying, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE.”
The US President is reportedly aiming to fulfil pledges to end the conflict and secure the release of dozens of hostages ahead of the second anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The plan, which has received broad international support, was endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Friday, Netanyahu’s office reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to ending the war, though it did not address potential gaps in agreements with Hamas.
A senior Egyptian official, involved in ceasefire negotiations, said talks are ongoing regarding the release of hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, AP reported. Arab mediators are also preparing a broader dialogue among Palestinian factions to unify positions on Gaza’s future.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second-largest militant group, said on Saturday that it accepted Hamas’ response to Trump’s plan, having rejected it initially.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the nearly two-year conflict has now claimed more than 67,000 lives, with women and children accounting for roughly half the dead. The figures are considered the most reliable estimate of casualties in the war by the UN and independent experts.
Despite the momentum, questions remain about the plan’s implementation. Hamas has agreed in principle to release the remaining 48 hostages, with around 20 believed alive, and hand over power to other Palestinians. However, aspects like demilitarisation require further internal consultation.
Experts caution that while Hamas signals willingness to negotiate, its fundamental stance remains unchanged. Oded Ailam, a researcher at the Jerusalem Centre for Security and Foreign Affairs, described the group’s approach as “repackaging old demands in softer language,” serving as a “smoke screen rather than a signal of genuine resolution.”
Protests continue across Europe, including tens of thousands marching in Barcelona on Saturday, with demonstrations planned in Italy and Portugal.
For Palestinians in Gaza, uncertainty persists. Thousands have fled Gaza City, now a focus of Israel’s latest offensive, while families of hostages remain cautious. Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod is held in Gaza, said, “We’re putting our trust in Trump, because he’s the only one who’s doing it… we want to see him with us until the last step.”
(With AP inputs)
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