Israel’s Army Advances Preparations for First Phase of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Amid Rising Death Toll
Israel’s military announced on Saturday that it would advance preparations for the initial phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and facilitate the return of all remaining hostages, according to news agency AP. This development comes as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 67,000.
According to the Israeli military, forces have been instructed to enhance readiness for implementing the plan. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Israel has shifted to a defensive-only position in Gaza and will not conduct active strikes, although no troops have been withdrawn from the territory.
The announcement followed President Trump’s directive for Israel to halt bombings after Hamas indicated acceptance of certain elements of his peace proposal. Trump welcomed Hamas’s statement, saying, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE.”
The US President aims to fulfill promises to end the conflict and secure the release of dozens of hostages ahead of the second anniversary of Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The plan, which has received broad international support, was endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On Friday, Netanyahu’s office reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to ending the war, though it did not address potential gaps in agreements with Hamas.
Ongoing Negotiations and Egypt’s Role
A senior Egyptian official involved in ceasefire negotiations told AP that talks are ongoing regarding the release of hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Arab mediators are also preparing a broader dialogue among Palestinian factions to unify positions on Gaza’s future.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second-largest militant group, announced on Saturday that it accepted Hamas’s response to Trump’s plan, having initially rejected it.
Casualty Update
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the nearly two-year conflict has now claimed more than 67,000 lives, with women and children accounting for roughly half of the dead. These figures are considered the most reliable estimate of casualties in the war by the UN and independent experts.
Questions Remain About Implementation
Despite the momentum, questions remain regarding the plan’s implementation. Hamas has agreed in principle to release the remaining 48 hostages—around 20 of whom are believed alive—and to hand over power to other Palestinians. However, aspects such as demilitarization require further internal consultation.
Experts caution that while Hamas signals willingness to negotiate, its fundamental stance remains unchanged. Oded Ailam, a researcher at the Jerusalem Centre for Security and Foreign Affairs, described the group’s approach as repackaging old demands in softer language, serving as a smoke screen rather than a signal of genuine resolution.
Public Reactions and Ongoing Uncertainty
Protests continue across Europe, including tens of thousands marching in Barcelona on Saturday, with demonstrations planned in Italy and Portugal. For Palestinians in Gaza, uncertainty persists. Thousands have fled Gaza City, now a focus of Israel’s latest offensive, while families of hostages remain cautious.
Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod is held in Gaza, expressed cautious optimism: “We’re putting our trust in Trump because he’s the only one who’s doing it. We want to see him with us until the last step.”
(With inputs from AP)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/israel-advances-preparations-for-first-phase-of-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan-23597208