Israel Begins Preparations for U.S.-Backed Gaza Peace Plan

The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it has been directed to begin preparations for the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all remaining hostages. According to an official familiar with the matter, Israel has shifted to a defensive posture inside Gaza but has not withdrawn any forces from the territory.

The development follows Trump’s call for Israel to halt its bombardment after Hamas signaled partial acceptance of the proposal earlier in the week. Trump welcomed the statement, saying he believed the conditions were forming for “lasting peace.” His administration has pushed to finalize a framework before the upcoming second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks, which triggered the conflict.

Support from Israeli Leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has endorsed the U.S.-backed plan, despite political pressure at home and abroad. On Friday night, Netanyahu issued a rare statement during the Jewish sabbath confirming that Israel was preparing to implement elements of Trump’s proposal. The announcement, according to Israeli officials, was made under direct U.S. pressure. A negotiating team is being assembled, though no specific date has been set for talks.

Regional Mediation and Hostage Issue

Diplomatic channels are also active. An Egyptian official confirmed that mediators are working on arrangements for the release of 48 remaining hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The plan also calls for Hamas to disarm and transfer authority to other Palestinian groups, though Hamas has said further discussions are needed before committing to demilitarization. Meanwhile, Palestinian Islamic Jihad—previously opposed to the U.S. plan—announced it now supports Hamas’ response, signaling a shift among militant factions.

Humanitarian Situation

The humanitarian toll in Gaza remains severe. The Gaza Health Ministry reported more than 67,000 deaths since the conflict began, with women and children accounting for nearly half. The United Nations and independent experts generally view the ministry’s figures as the most consistent available, though the division between civilians and combatants is not specified. Large parts of Gaza City are still under siege, with the Israeli military warning civilians not to return, calling it an “active combat zone.” Food shortages have been documented, with experts warning that sections of the city are facing famine conditions.

International and Domestic Reactions

The plan has drawn broad international backing, with European governments and Arab mediators welcoming the potential breakthrough. However, skepticism remains over whether both sides will follow through. Demonstrations demanding an immediate end to the conflict have spread across European capitals, including large marches in Barcelona, Rome, and Lisbon.

Within Israel, families of the hostages have expressed cautious optimism. Many argue that their trust now lies primarily in the U.S. administration, which they see as the only actor capable of bridging the divide. Critics in Israel, including retired military officials, have warned that if Hamas does not disarm, military operations could quickly resume.

Outlook

The next stage hinges on whether Hamas will agree to the disarmament clause and whether Israel will commit to a phased withdrawal as outlined in Trump’s plan. If implemented, the agreement would include a halt to military operations, the release of hostages, prisoner exchanges, expanded humanitarian access, and eventual reconstruction.

For many in Gaza, the question is not about the proposals on paper but about their implementation on the ground. Residents say they want tangible relief after nearly two years of fighting. With active mediation underway and both Israel and Hamas signaling limited acceptance, the plan has created cautious hope, but the path forward remains uncertain.