Netanyahu’s office pledged cooperation with Washington after Hamas signaled willingness to release all hostages and accept parts of the U.S. proposal.
The Israeli government said Oct. 3 that it is ready to implement the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and secure the release of all hostages held by terrorist group Hamas.
The statement came shortly after Hamas issued a response to Trump’s 20-point peace plan, in which it agreed to release all hostages and accepted some of the terms in the proposal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel is preparing for “the immediate implementation” of the plan’s first stage and pledged cooperation with the United States.
“We will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set by Israel that are in line with President Trump’s vision,” it stated.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated on X that the political echelon has directed the military to “advance readiness for the implementation of the first phase,” involving the release of hostages held by Hamas.
All military capabilities are being shifted to the Southern Command to prioritize the protection of the Israeli forces, according to the IDF.
Peace Plan
Trump’s peace plan includes Israel’s withdrawal to an agreed line, a suspension of all military operations in Gaza, and the release of 250 prisoners serving life sentences, along with 1,700 Gazans detained after Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. The plan also stipulates that Israel will neither occupy nor annex Gaza.
Under the proposal, the Palestinian Authority’s reform program, once completed, could set the conditions for “a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood.” It also includes plans to deradicalize Gaza, ensure it becomes a terror-free zone, and provide full aid to Gaza once hostilities are over.
Hamas on Oct. 3 said it welcomes Trump’s proposal and is willing to release all hostages, living and deceased, and relinquish power over Gaza, but noted that other provisions would require further consultations among Palestinians.
“Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE,” Trump stated on social media, urging Israel to cease its bombardment of Gaza to allow for the release of hostages.
“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,” the president added.
