Israel Advances Preparations for Hostage Release as Hamas Agrees to Trump Peace Plan
In a significant development towards peace in Gaza, Israel’s military announced on Saturday that it will begin preparing for the implementation of the first phase of Donald Trump’s peace plan, which would see the release of all hostages held by Hamas. This announcement follows Hamas’s agreement to the proposal, offering a glimmer of hope in the ongoing conflict.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their Chief of the General Staff convened a special assessment meeting and instructed forces to advance readiness for the hostage release operation. While preparing for this humanitarian mission, the IDF emphasized that troop safety remains a top priority, with all necessary military capabilities being allocated to the Southern Command to protect their personnel. Military leaders also stressed the need for continued vigilance and alertness among troops due to the operation’s sensitivity and the importance of being ready to neutralize any potential threats. According to sources, Israeli forces have now shifted to a defensive-only position inside Gaza, temporarily pausing offensive operations to give the peace process a chance to succeed.
Former President Trump, who unveiled his 20-point peace plan last week, expressed cautious optimism about the developments. From the Oval Office, he stated that he believes he is “very close” to achieving a peace deal, though he is still awaiting final confirmation. On social media, Trump acknowledged Israel’s temporary cessation of bombing operations, writing, “I appreciate that Israel has temporarily stopped the bombing in order to give the Hostage release and Peace Deal a chance to be completed.” He urged Hamas to “move quickly” and warned that any delay would not be tolerated, emphasizing that Gaza must no longer pose a threat. Trump’s message conveyed a sense of urgency, calling for fast action and promising fair treatment for all parties involved.
The peace plan outlined by Trump calls for an end to Israel’s military operations, complete disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of Gaza under Palestinian governance with international oversight led by the United States. In his social media posts, Trump characterized the deal as “a great one for ALL” that would spare the lives of remaining Hamas fighters while ensuring the release of all hostages, including the remains of those who have died. Setting a clear deadline, Trump stated that an agreement must be reached by Sunday evening at 6 p.m. Washington DC time, warning that if this “LAST CHANCE agreement” is not reached, severe consequences would follow for Hamas.
Hamas’s reported acceptance of the deal marks a potential turning point in the conflict that has devastated Gaza and left many Israeli families waiting anxiously for news of loved ones taken hostage during the October 7 attacks. If implemented, the agreement would address one of the most emotionally charged aspects of the conflict – the return of all hostages, both living and deceased, to their families. This humanitarian breakthrough could help ease tensions and create space for further peace-building efforts in the region.
The situation remains delicate, with many observers cautiously watching to see if the agreement will hold and if implementation will proceed as planned. The international community has largely supported efforts to secure the hostages’ release and end the fighting that has caused tremendous suffering on both sides. Trump’s involvement in brokering this potential breakthrough highlights the complex geopolitics of the region and the role that American leadership continues to play in Middle East peace efforts.
As the Sunday deadline approaches, all eyes remain on Gaza and Israel to see if this opportunity for peace will be seized. The IDF’s preparation for the hostage release operation signals Israel’s commitment to the process, while Trump’s stern warnings to Hamas underscore the consequences of failing to follow through. After months of devastating conflict, this development offers a rare moment of hope that the cycle of violence might be interrupted, hostages reunited with their families, and a foundation laid for more lasting peace in the region.
