On Saturday, former President Trump revealed that Israel has reached an “initial withdrawal line” accord in Gaza, noting that a cease-fire and hostage exchange will commence pending Hamas’s confirmation of the agreement.
“After extensive negotiations, Israel has accepted the initial withdrawal line, which we have shared with Hamas,” Trump stated on Truth Social, claiming that the initiative would signify “the conclusion of this 3,000-year tragedy.”
In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed in a late Saturday address from Israel that he has directed his negotiating team, led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, to head to Egypt to finalize the technical aspects of the hostage release.
Netanyahu emphasized, “We aim to keep the negotiations brief. Trump has made it clear: we will not accept any tactics designed to stall or evade progress.”
According to the plan’s initial stage, Hamas would free hostages as Israeli forces pull back while maintaining control over “key territories deep within the strip,” as reported by the Israeli prime minister.
In the subsequent phase, Netanyahu mentioned that Hamas would need to be disarmed and Gaza demilitarized, a task he said could be achieved through diplomatic efforts or military action.
Netanyahu acknowledged Trump’s coordination as pivotal in isolating Hamas diplomatically, asserting that Israeli military pressure compelled the group to engage in negotiations.
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Before Netanyahu’s address, Trump indicated that Israel had temporarily suspended its bombing operations in Gaza, referring to this decision as a crucial step toward finalizing a peace agreement with Hamas and securing the release of hostages, while cautioning that he “would not accept any delay.”
Trump commended Israel’s halting of aerial strikes, claiming it provides “an opportunity for the Hostage release and Peace Deal to come to fruition.”
He urged Hamas to act without hesitation, warning that any delay would lead to unpredictable consequences. “I will not tolerate any postponements, which many predict will arise, nor any scenarios where Gaza remains a threat,” Trump expressed on Truth Social.
“Let’s finish this swiftly. Everyone will be treated justly!”
However, reports emerging from Gaza indicated that hostilities persisted. Hospital officials reported to CNN that at least 67 individuals lost their lives on Saturday due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes.
