In a significant development, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that, following Hamas’s response, Israel is preparing to implement the first stage of US President Donald Trump’s plan aimed at the immediate release of all hostages. The announcement was made through the Prime Minister’s Office on Saturday.
“Prime Minister’s Office Announcement: Following Hamas’s response, Israel is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first stage of President Trump’s plan for the immediate release of all the hostages,” the statement noted, later deleted from X. Netanyahu has reaffirmed cooperation towards ending the conflict in accordance with the principles laid out by Israel, which correspond with Trump’s vision for ending the war.
While Israel has assured cooperation, it has not replied to Trump’s call for Israel to immediately stop bombing of Gaza. Notably, as the Hamas on Friday issued a statement agreeing to the 20-point peace plan, Trump expressed confidence in group’s willingness to ensure a “lasting” peace in Gaza. He urged Israel to stop attacking Gaza in order to get the hostages back.
“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 wrote on Truth Social.
Look forward to having hostages come home, says Trump
Meanwhile, Trump on Saturday thanked world leaders for their support in bringing an end to the Gaza conflict. In a video message, he asserted that he looks forward to seeing the hostages return home, acknowledging that some may be in critical condition.
“I want to thank the countries that helped me put this together- Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and so many others. So many people fought so hard. This is a big day…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. So I just want to let you know that this is a very special day, maybe unprecedented in many ways,” said Trump in a video message released by the White House.
