‘Israel’ reportedly prepares Gaza withdrawal while airstrikes persist
Following instructions from the 'Israeli' government, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) shifted overnight into defensive operations across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, halting the planned offensive to take control of Gaza City.
The operational change comes hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that 'Israel' is “preparing for the immediate implementation of the first stage of Trump’s plan for the release of all hostages.”
In a statement issued by his office, Netanyahu added, “We will continue to work in full coordination with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set by Israel, which align with President Trump’s vision.”
The announcement followed comments by US President Donald Trump, who said that Hamas is “ready for peace” and emphasized that 'Israel' “must stop the bombings so we can quickly secure the release of the hostages.”
Later on Saturday, the IOF released a statement noting that it has begun preparations for implementing the first phase of Trump’s plan for the release of captives. The statement underscored that the safety of IOF troops remains a top priority and that all military resources would be allocated to the Southern Command to ensure their protection.
According to Hebrew media, over the past week, the IOF has been allegedly moderating its operations in Gaza to avoid jeopardizing ongoing negotiations. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir conducted a situational assessment in the territory, instructing senior field officers to act responsibly and prevent incidents involving high civilian casualties that could derail the talks.
In its official statement on Friday evening, Hamas announced its willingness to release all 'Israeli' captives, both living and deceased, in line with Trump’s proposal aimed at ending the nearly two-year conflict. Hamas added that it is prepared to enter immediate negotiations over the details of the agreement.
Hamas also confirmed its readiness to transfer the administration of Gaza to an independent Palestinian body “in national coordination and based on Arab-Islamic support.” According to the Trump plan, the transitional administration of Gaza would be overseen by a “Palestinian committee” under the supervision of an international entity known as the “Board of Peace,” chaired by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Under the Trump plan, the 'Israeli' army is not required to fully withdraw from Gaza during the first and second phases. A complete retreat would only occur at a later stage, once Gaza is deemed secure from any renewed terror threats. The plan stipulates that once both parties reach an agreement, “Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed-upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this period, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardments, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for a complete staged withdrawal.” The IOF is also expected to progressively hand over occupied Gaza territory to the International Stabilization Force.
Despite these measures, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported on Saturday that 'Israel' conducted dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling on Gaza City, even after President Trump called for an end to bombardments following Hamas’ ceasefire agreement.
“It was a very violent night, during which the Israeli army carried out dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling on Gaza City and other areas in the Strip, despite President Trump’s call to halt the bombing,” civil defence spokesperson Mahmud Bassal told AFP. He added that 20 homes were destroyed in the overnight attacks.
Channel 12 reported that 'Israel’s' negotiation team has been instructed to remain ready to travel at a moment’s notice to resume talks based on evolving developments.
