‘Israel Would Work To End War’: IDF Reduces Gaza Operations As Hamas Agrees To Release Hostages

Last Updated:October 04, 2025, 10:43 IST

Israel has said it is preparing to implement the “first stage” of Trump’s Gaza peace plan and will work in full cooperation with the US to end the war.

A file photo of Benjamin Netanyahu (AP)

Hours after Hamas agreed to release all Israeli hostages, whether dead or alive, in response to the 20-point Gaza peace plan introduced by US President Donald Trump earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country is preparing to implement the “first stage” of Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza.

Israel would work “in full cooperation” with Trump to end the war in accordance with its principles, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office read.

Meanwhile, multiple media reports suggested a ‘de-escalation’ in attacks in the Gaza Strip.

This also came after Trump on Friday ordered Israel to stop bombing Gaza.

HAMAS AGREES TO RELEASE HOSTAGES

Hamas said it was willing to release the hostages and hand over power to other Palestinians, but that other aspects of the plan require further consultations among Palestinians.

Senior Hamas officials suggested there were still major disagreements that required further negotiations.

Later, Trump welcomed the Hamas statement, saying, “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,” he wrote on social media.

IS HAMAS OPEN TO ACCEPTING TRUMP’s PLAN?

Hamas said it would release Israeli hostages in Gaza, both living and dead, “according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump’s proposal, with the necessary field conditions for implementing the exchange.”

It did not specify what it meant by “necessary field conditions.”

The militant group said it was ready to immediately have talks through mediators to discuss further details.

The Trump plan says all hostages will be returned by Hamas “within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement.”

Trump’s proposal said that, thereafter, Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, plus 1,700 Gazans arrested since October 7, 2023, including all women and children.

For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 dead Gazans, the Trump plan says.

Hamas said it accepted the framework of an end to the war and Israel’s “full withdrawal” from the enclave.

ALSO READ | Trump’s Gaza Peace Deal: What Hamas Accepted, And What It Still Hasn’t Agreed To

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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