Israel Prepares for Trump’s Peace Plan Amid Hostage Negotiations

Israel’s military announced on Saturday that it will advance preparations for the initial phase of U.S. President Donald Trump‘s plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza and facilitating the return of hostages. This development follows a statement from Hamas indicating a willingness to accept certain elements of the proposal, while other aspects remain open for negotiation. The Israeli army reported receiving directives from national leaders to enhance readiness for the implementation of the plan.

An official, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media, stated that Israel has adopted a defensive-only stance in Gaza and will not initiate offensive actions. Notably, no Israeli forces have been withdrawn from the region. This announcement coincided with Trump’s order to cease airstrikes in Gaza, contingent upon Hamas’s acceptance of parts of his peace framework. Trump expressed optimism regarding the situation, asserting, “I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE.”

As pressure mounts from both the international community and Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to ending the conflict, which escalated following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. Netanyahu’s late-night statement, issued on the sabbath, reflects the increasing urgency to address the conflict, although it did not clarify Israel’s position on the gaps between its objectives and those of Hamas.

Hostage Negotiations and Broader Dialogue

Discussions are reportedly underway concerning the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. A senior Egyptian official involved in ceasefire negotiations indicated that Arab mediators are facilitating dialogues aimed at achieving a unified Palestinian stance regarding Gaza’s future.

On Saturday, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a prominent militant group in Gaza, voiced its support for Hamas’s acceptance of Trump’s proposal. This marks a shift from its earlier rejection of the plan. Nonetheless, significant uncertainties persist. Under the proposal, Hamas is expected to release 48 remaining hostages—approximately 20 of whom are believed to be alive—within three days, disarm, and relinquish control to other Palestinian factions. In exchange, Israel would halt its military operations, withdraw from substantial territory, release numerous Palestinian prisoners, and facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.

Hamas has signaled its willingness to release hostages and transfer power, yet it has not provided clarity on the issue of demilitarization, a pivotal element of the plan. Amir Avivi, a retired Israeli general and chairman of Israel’s Defense and Security Forum, noted that while Israel could pause its offensive to enable hostage releases, it would resume military actions if Hamas does not comply with disarmament.

Experts caution that while Hamas’s rhetoric suggests a readiness to negotiate, its fundamental position remains unchanged. Oded Ailam, a researcher at the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, characterized the current negotiations as a rebranding of previous demands rather than genuine progress toward resolution.

Humanitarian Crisis and Family Concerns

For the Palestinian population in Gaza, the practical implications of the negotiations remain unclear. Israeli forces continue their siege on Gaza City, which is currently a focal point of military operations. The Israeli army has warned civilians against attempting to return to the city, labeling it a “dangerous combat zone.” Prior to the escalation of conflict, Gaza City faced dire humanitarian conditions, with reports indicating a slide into famine just before the onset of the latest offensive.

An estimated 400,000 residents have fled Gaza City in recent weeks, leaving many others behind. Families of hostages, such as Yehuda Cohen, whose son is among those held in Gaza, express cautious hope. Cohen articulated concerns that various stakeholders, including Hamas and Netanyahu, could hinder the peace process, or that Trump might lose interest in the negotiations. Despite these anxieties, he emphasized a reliance on Trump for progress, stating, “We’re putting our trust in Trump, because he’s the only one who’s doing it… And we want to see him with us until the last step.”

As the situation continues to evolve, the complexity of negotiations and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza present significant challenges. The international community watches closely, hopeful for a resolution that brings lasting peace to a region long marked by conflict.