President Donald Trump has announced that Israel is preparing to start the initial phase of withdrawal as part of a peace plan designed to address the long-standing conflict in Gaza.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump stated that Israel has agreed to the proposed initial withdrawal line following negotiations with Hamas. Once Hamas confirms, an immediate Ceasefire will take effect, leading to the start of Hostages and Prisoner Exchange. This move sets the stage for the subsequent phase of withdrawal, bringing the resolution of this millennia-old crisis closer. Trump expressed gratitude for the attention to the matter and urged followers to stay tuned.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed confidence that the hostages would soon be liberated from Gaza, hinting at a positive development in the near future.
Netanyahu revealed in a brief statement on Saturday evening that a delegation had been dispatched to Egypt to finalize technical aspects of the plan. He emphasized the goal of completing these negotiations within a few days.
However, reports suggest that a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a key demand by Hamas for a ceasefire, may not occur as Netanyahu indicated that Israel’s military would retain control over certain territories in Gaza. The disarmament of Hamas is planned for the second phase, either through diplomatic means or, if necessary, by military force.
The news unfolded shortly after Israel carried out airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in at least 22 casualties. This action followed Trump’s directive to cease the bombardment, with the President stressing the readiness of Hamas for lasting peace and demanding an immediate halt to Israel’s bombing campaign.
Hamas has committed to releasing all surviving Israeli captives and expressed a willingness to engage in discussions regarding Trump’s 20-point peace proposal through intermediaries. The proposal includes the release of the remaining 48 captives in Gaza within three days.
This week marks the two-year anniversary of the conflict’s outbreak between Israel and Hamas, which commenced on October 7, 2023, with terror attacks by Hamas at a music festival that led to the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the capture of 251.
—
The text has been revised for clarity, SEO optimization, and a more engaging reading experience while retaining the original facts and details.