Trump Calls for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire as Israel Plans Captive Release

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The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel is preparing to begin the first phase of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza. The plan includes the release of all Israeli captives still held in the Gaza Strip. According to the statement, Hamas had submitted its response earlier on Friday, paving the way for the next steps.

Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel will work closely with Trump and his team to “end the war in accordance with the principles laid out by Israel.” The statement emphasized that the plan aligns with Trump’s vision of bringing the conflict to an end. Officials noted that phase one will focus specifically on the safe return of captives before moving on to broader security and political arrangements.

Donald Trump has publicly called for an immediate halt to the violence in Gaza. He urged Israel to cease its military aggression as part of his roadmap toward de-escalation. Trump’s proposal is being described by his team as a step-by-step approach to ending the conflict, beginning with humanitarian measures such as prisoner releases.

Despite the announcement and Trump’s appeal, Israeli bombardments of Gaza continued on Friday. Reports indicate that airstrikes and shelling did not subside even as discussions around the plan were taking place. This contrast has drawn attention to the gap between diplomatic efforts and the situation on the ground.

The ongoing war in Gaza has displaced thousands and caused severe humanitarian challenges. International actors, including the United States, have been pressing for solutions that combine immediate relief with long-term stability. While Trump’s plan is being positioned as a framework for de-escalation, its success will depend on both sides adhering to the commitments made during its initial phase.