Israel has announced it is preparing to implement the “first phase” of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, hours after Hamas said it was ready to enter negotiations to release hostages under the proposal.
The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office early Saturday marked a potential breakthrough in efforts to end the nearly two-year-long war, though it made no mention of Trump’s demand for Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza.”
Israel signals readiness
“In light of Hamas’s response, Israel is preparing to immediately implement the first phase of Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all hostages,” Netanyahu’s office said.
It added that Israel would “continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel that are consistent with President Trump’s vision.”
The statement came just hours after Trump warned Hamas to respond by Sunday evening or face dire consequences. Hamas had earlier said it agreed to release hostages according to Trump’s proposal but stressed that negotiations were still required on issues like disarmament and Gaza’s governance.
Military preparations
Israel’s military chief of staff held an overnight meeting with senior commanders, intelligence officials, and hostage negotiators to assess readiness for the plan.
The army said troops in Southern Command, which oversees operations in Gaza, had been ordered to maintain “high alertness and vigilance” while preparing for the “sensitive implementation” of the first phase.
Army Radio reported that Israel’s political leadership had directed the military to reduce activity in Gaza “to a minimum” and focus only on defensive operations, effectively halting the planned ground takeover of Gaza City.
What is first phase?
Trump’s 20-point peace plan is divided into several stages. While details remain under discussion, the first phase is believed to focus on:
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Immediate release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza (both alive and remains)
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A parallel release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel
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Preparations for a staged Israeli military withdrawal
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The beginning of arrangements for Gaza’s post-war administration
On Friday, Trump said the hostages’ release required Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza,” calling the situation too dangerous for extractions. But Netanyahu’s office avoided that demand in its statement.
Hamas’s position
Hamas, in its response shared with mediators, said it was ready to “immediately enter negotiations” for the exchange of hostages and would hand over administration of Gaza to a Palestinian technocratic body backed by Arab and Islamic states.
However, the group rejected international oversight bodies such as Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace” and did not agree to disarm — a key US and Israeli demand. A senior Hamas official told Al Jazeera that the group would not lay down arms until Israel’s occupation of Gaza ends.
Pressure on Netanyahu
The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 taken hostage, has left Gaza devastated. According to local health authorities, more than 66,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children — have been killed since Israel launched its military offensive.
Much of Gaza lies in ruins, and aid restrictions have caused famine conditions in parts of the enclave. The UN and multiple rights experts have accused Israel of genocide, which Netanyahu’s government rejects as it insists its actions are in self-defense.
Families of Israeli hostages have increased pressure on Netanyahu, urging his government to “immediately order negotiations for the return of all captives.”
