Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is set to implement the first phase of a hostage release plan proposed by Donald Trump, following a response from Hamas. The Prime Minister’s Office made the announcement on Saturday, which was subsequently deleted from X. Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s cooperation in ending the conflict, adhering to principles that resonate with Trump’s strategy for peace.
Despite Israel’s assurance of cooperation, it has yet to respond to Trump’s demand for an immediate end to the bombing of Gaza. Following Hamas’s agreement to the 20-point peace plan, Trump expressed optimism about achieving ‘lasting’ peace in Gaza. He urged Israel to cease its attacks to ensure the safe and rapid return of the hostages.
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote, ‘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 also expressed gratitude to global leaders for their support and shared his eagerness for the hostages to return home. In a video message released by the White House, he acknowledged the difficult conditions some hostages may be facing. “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,” said Trump, thanking the countries involved in facilitating the plan.