Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is preparing to begin the initial phase of Donald Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all hostages, according to an announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office made on Saturday. The statement, which appeared briefly on X, indicated that the decision followed Hamas’s response to the proposal. Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s commitment to the plan, which aligns with Trump’s vision for ending the conflict.
While Israel has expressed its willingness to cooperate, it has not directly addressed Trump’s call for an immediate end to bombing in Gaza. Hamas released a statement agreeing to the 20-point peace plan, prompting Trump to express his belief that the group is ready for a ‘lasting’ peace in Gaza. He called on Israel to halt its attacks to allow for the safe return of the hostages.
Trump stated 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 appreciation for the support of various world leaders, including Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, and shared his hope for the hostages’ return. In a video message released by the White House, he expressed empathy for the families of the hostages, including those in critical condition. ‘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,’ he said.