Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Oct 4: The Israeli government and its security agencies have begun preparations for the first phase of the "Trump plan," aimed at securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The decision follows new signals from Hamas expressing willingness to negotiate and release captives, including the handover of deceased individuals.
On Saturday, the Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) convened a high-level situation assessment meeting to discuss operational readiness. According to a statement issued by the IDF, the military has been instructed to advance preparations for implementing the first phase of the plan while ensuring the safety of Israeli troops. The statement emphasized heightened alertness and the need for rapid response capabilities due to the operational sensitivity of the current situation.
Senior military and intelligence officials attended the meeting, including the Deputy Chief of Staff, the Heads of the Operations, Intelligence, and Planning Directorates, the Commander of the Southern Command, the Air Force Chief, and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, whose team drafted the 20-point Gaza peace plan, welcomed Hamas’ announcement, calling it a “very special day.” In a video message, Trump expressed optimism about the imminent release of the hostages and thanked the international actors who contributed to the negotiations. He also called on Israel to immediately halt bombing in Gaza to ensure the captives’ safe return and claimed Hamas was ready for a "lasting peace."
Trump had previously issued a firm deadline, demanding that Hamas agree to the plan by Sunday at 6 p.m. Washington DC time. In a Truth Social post, he warned that failure to do so would trigger consequences, stating that “all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas.”
The Trump plan proposes a temporary technocratic government to administer Gaza, with guarantees that Israel will not annex the territory or displace its residents. If agreed upon, the plan would require an immediate ceasefire and the release of all captives—alive and deceased—within 72 hours.
Roughly 48 people are still believed to be held hostage in Gaza, with around 20 thought to be alive. In its statement posted on Telegram, Hamas said it is ready to enter immediate negotiations through mediators to finalize the terms of the agreement. The group also agreed to transfer administrative control of Gaza to a Palestinian body of independent technocrats, supported by Arab and Islamic nations.
With time ticking down to Trump’s Sunday deadline, Israel is intensifying military readiness while maintaining a watchful eye on the diplomatic developments. The next 48 hours are likely to determine whether the region moves toward a ceasefire and negotiated peace—or spirals into further escalation.