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 is moving forward with preparations for the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and facilitate the return of all remaining hostages, according to the Associated Press (AP).
The announcement comes as the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 67,000. The Israeli military stated it has been instructed to increase readiness for implementing the plan. An official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Israel has shifted to a defensive-only posture in Gaza and will not conduct active strikes, although no forces have been withdrawn from the territory.
This development follows President Trump’s directive for Israel to halt bombings after Hamas indicated acceptance of certain elements of his peace plan. Trump welcomed Hamas’s statement, saying, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE.”
The US President is reportedly aiming to fulfill pledges to end the conflict and secure the release of dozens of hostages ahead of the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The plan, which has garnered broad international support, was also 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 Broader Dialogue
A senior Egyptian official involved in ceasefire negotiations told AP that talks are ongoing regarding the release of hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Arab mediators are preparing for a broader dialogue among Palestinian factions aimed at unifying their positions on Gaza’s future.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second-largest militant group, announced on Saturday that it has accepted Hamas’s response to Trump’s plan after initially rejecting it.
Casualty Update and Humanitarian Impact
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 estimates of casualties by the United Nations and independent experts.
Implementation Challenges Ahead
Despite the momentum, questions remain over the plan’s implementation. Hamas has agreed in principle to release the remaining 48 hostages—around 20 of whom are believed to be alive—and to hand over power to other Palestinian groups. However, key issues such as demilitarization require further internal consultations.
Experts caution that although Hamas signals a willingness to negotiate, its fundamental stance has not changed. Oded Ailam, a researcher at the Jerusalem Centre for Security and Foreign Affairs, described Hamas’s approach as “repackaging old demands in softer language,” serving as a smoke screen rather than a genuine resolution.
Public Reactions and Ongoing Uncertainty
Protests continue across Europe, with tens of thousands marching in Barcelona on Saturday and demonstrations planned in Italy and Portugal.
For Palestinians in Gaza, uncertainty persists. Thousands have fled Gaza City, now the focus of Israel’s latest offensive, while families of hostages remain cautious. Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod is held in Gaza, said, “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