Israel’s military announced on Saturday its plan to “advance readiness for the implementation of the first phase” of the strategy for freeing hostages from the Gaza Strip.
This development follows Hamas’s declaration on Friday that it consented to release all Israeli captives, living or deceased, as part of President Donald Trump’s proposed peace initiative for Gaza. Trump later shared a video from the White House Oval Office, stating that he was still awaiting definitive confirmation but felt he was “very close” to securing a peace accord.
“The Chief of the General Staff convened a special situation assessment in light of recent developments. In accordance with the directives from the political echelon, the Chief of the General Staff [was] instructed to advance readiness for the implementation of the first phase of the Trump plan,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) posted on X.
The IDF further added, “At the same time, it was emphasized that the safety of IDF troops is a top priority and that all IDF capabilities will be allocated to the Southern Command to ensure the protection of the troops.” It continued, “The Chief of Staff noted that, given the operational sensitivity, all troops must maintain high alertness and vigilance, in addition to reinforcing the need for a rapid response to neutralize any threat.”
An official informed The Associated Press that forces have now assumed a defensive-only stance within the Gaza Strip and will not conduct active strikes. The official also confirmed that no IDF assets have been removed from the region.
Last week, Trump unveiled a 20-point peace blueprint advocating for a cessation of Israel’s military actions, the disarmament of Hamas, and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip under a Palestinian governing authority overseen by a U.S.-led international coalition.
Trump declared on Friday, “THIS DEAL ALSO SPARES THE LIVES OF ALL REMAINING HAMAS FIGHTERS! The details of the document are known to the WORLD, and it is a great one for ALL! We will have PEACE in the Middle East one way or the other. The violence and bloodshed will stop.”
Trump further insisted, “RELEASES THE HOSTAGES, ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING THE BODIES OF THOSE THAT ARE DEAD, NOW! An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time. Every Country has signed on!” He then warned, “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”
Alexandra Koch and Jasmine Baehr of Digital contributed to this report.