Israel's army says it will advance preparations for the first phase of Trump's plan

"The army said it was instructed by Israel's leaders to "advance readiness" for the implementation of the plan. An official who was not authorized to speak to the media on the record said that Israel has moved to a defensive-only position in Gaza and will not actively strike. The official said no forces have been removed from the strip. This announcement came hours after Trump ordered Israel to stop bombing Gaza once Hamas said it had accepted some elements of his plan."

"Trump welcomed the Hamas statement, saying: "I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE." Trump appears keen to deliver on pledges to end the war and return dozens of hostages ahead of the second anniversary of the attack on Tuesday. His proposal unveiled earlier this week has widespread international support and was also endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."

"On Friday, Netanyahu's office said Israel was committed to ending the war that began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, without addressing potential gaps with the militant group. Netanyahu has come under increasing pressure from the international community and Trump to end the conflict. The official told the AP that Netanyahu put out the rare late-night statement on the sabbath saying that Israel has started to prepare for Trump's plan due to pressure from the U.S. administration."

Israel's military advanced readiness to begin the first phase of a U.S.-brokered plan intended to end the Gaza war and secure the remaining hostages. Forces in Gaza have shifted to defensive-only postures, with no removals reported. President Trump ordered a halt to Israeli bombing after Hamas accepted parts of the proposal, and expressed belief in prospects for lasting peace. The plan, endorsed by Prime Minister Netanyahu, aims to return hostages before the second anniversary of Oct. 7. Negotiators and mediators, including Egyptian officials, are preparing talks on hostage releases, Palestinian prisoner exchanges, and broader Palestinian dialogue.

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