Israel Pauses Gaza Offensive After Hamas Accepts Trump’s Peace Proposal, Death Toll Crosses 67,000 Civilians

Tel Aviv:  Israel's first statement has come after Hamas accepted the terms of US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan. The Israeli army said on Saturday that it will speed up preparations for the implementation of the first phase of the plan. Israel has given this statement when Hamas has accepted some points of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza. The army says that Israeli leaders have given instructions to take quick steps to implement this plan.

Israel will no longer attack Gaza

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Israel has taken a defensive position in Gaza and will not launch any attacks at this time. He also said no security forces have been withdrawn from Gaza. Israel's decision to halt its attacks on Gaza came just hours after Trump ordered Israel to halt its attacks in Gaza following Hamas's positive statement. Trump welcomed Hamas's response, saying, "I think they're ready for a long-term peace."

More than 67,000 deaths in Gaza so far

The number of Palestinians killed in the nearly two-year-long war between Israel and Hamas has risen to more than 67,000. Gaza's Health Ministry added more than 700 names to the death toll on Saturday, and these figures have been verified. Meanwhile, the Israeli army has said that it is preparing for the first phase of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza and return all remaining hostages. In this regard, an official said that the army has now taken a defensive position and will not attack aggressively.

Egypt gives update on hostage release

A senior Egyptian official acting as mediator said that talks are underway with Hamas to release hostages and hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli custody. The official involved in the ceasefire talks said that Arab countries mediating are preparing for comprehensive talks among Palestinians, aimed at ensuring their unity on the future of Gaza. Gaza's second most influential extremist group, Palestine Islamic Jihad, said on Saturday that it accepts Hamas's response to Trump's plan. Earlier, a few days ago, the group had rejected the plan.

Will Hamas lay down its arms?

Retired General Amir Avivi, chairman of the Israel Defense and Security Forum, said Israel may halt firing in Gaza for a few days to allow the hostages to be released, but if Hamas does not surrender its weapons, Israel will resume its offensive. This situation currently raises hopes of a ceasefire, but how the situation develops in the future will depend entirely on Hamas's response and the outcome of the talks. (Language)