Israel Moves Forward with Hostage Release Preparations Amid Hamas Response

The Israeli government announced it is readying for the immediate release of hostages following Hamas’s tentative acceptance of a peace plan proposed by President Trump. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office indicated cooperation with the U.S., though it did not specify an end to military operations in Gaza, which was a US demand.

In a recent statement, Israeli officials confirmed they are working swiftly to implement the first phase of the plan—namely, the release of all hostages held by Hamas. Despite this development, reports suggest that Israel’s military operations in Gaza are being scaled back to a minimum, with plans for a full invasion of Gaza City on hold, focusing instead on defensive measures.

Israeli military sources say that operations to occupy Gaza City and remove its residents have been temporarily halted, with instructions for military activities to be minimized and limited to defensive actions. This change is perceived as a response to the shifting diplomatic landscape following Trump’s endorsement of Hamas’s response to the peace plan.

Earlier, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed surprise at Trump’s public support for Hamas’s response, which included conditions such as further talks on a ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawals. There is also speculation within Israel that the tentative agreement and the U.S. stance could influence the ground situation, potentially preventing an invasion.

Hamas has indicated it is willing to free Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, but refused to disarm or surrender control of Gaza to international forces. Additionally, Hamas did not commit to the swift release of hostages within the 72-hour window proposed by Trump, citing ongoing conditions and negotiations.