In a significant development, Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is set to implement the first stage of Donald Trump’s plan focused on the immediate release of all hostages. This decision was announced by the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday, following Hamas’s response to the proposal, and later removed from X. Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s dedication to ending the conflict in accordance with the principles outlined by the country, which are in line with Trump’s vision for achieving peace.
While Israel has indicated its cooperation, it has not yet directly responded to Trump’s request for an immediate cessation of bombing in Gaza. Hamas issued a statement on Friday agreeing to the 20-point peace plan, which led Trump to express his confidence in the group’s willingness to ensure ‘lasting’ peace in the region. He urged Israel to immediately cease attacks in Gaza to facilitate the safe return of the hostages.
Trump wrote on Truth Social, ‘Based on the statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.’
Trump also expressed his gratitude to international leaders for their support in resolving the Gaza conflict and shared his anticipation of seeing the hostages return home. In a video message released by the White House, he acknowledged the critical conditions some hostages may be experiencing. He said, ‘I look forward to having the hostages come home to their parents and having some of the hostages, unfortunately, you know the condition they’re in, come home likewise to their parents because their parents wanted them just as much as though that young man or young woman were alive.’