Israel’s army will advance preparations for the first phase of Trump’s plan

Israel’s army said Saturday that it would advance preparations for the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and return all the remaining hostages, after Hamas said it accepted parts of the deal while others still needed to be negotiated.

- AGENCIES

Thearmy saidit was instructed by Israel’s leaders to “advance readiness’ fortheimplementation of the plan. An official who was not authorised 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.”