PM Netanyahu orders IDF to pause Gaza offensive after Trump says Hamas is 'ready for peace'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israel Defense Forces to pause its military offensive in Gaza City on Friday night after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the Hamas terrorist organization is “ready for peace.”

“Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly! Right now, it’s far too dangerous to do that. We are already in discussions on details to be worked out. This is not about Gaza alone, this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East,” Trump wrote on Friday.

Following the order from Israel to freeze the military offensive, the IDF troops in Gaza shifted to a defensive position as Israel prepares to potentially implement the first phase of Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir convened a situational assessment “in light of recent developments,” just hours after Trump called on Israel to halt its military offensive against Hamas terrorists in Gaza.

“In accordance with the directives of the political echelon, the chief of staff instructed the military to prepare for implementation of the first phase of Trump’s plan for the release of hostages,” the IDF announced, adding, “The safety of our forces remains a top priority and all IDF capabilities will be allocated to the Southern Command for defensive purposes.”

Zamir called on IDF soldiers to remain alert and prepared to respond if Hamas decides to violate the U.S.-brokered proposal by attacking Israeli military positions.

The initial phase of the 20-point Trump plan is critical because it envisions the release of all remaining 48 Israeli hostages within 72 hours after Hamas officially accepts the proposal. Up to 20 of the hostages are believed to be still alive.

However, it is unclear whether the deal will move forward, as there are reportedly disagreements between Hamas’ political and military leaders about whether to accept or reject Trump’s Gaza plan, which calls for the terror group to disarm. Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and other officials who reside in Qatar are reportedly prepared to accept the Trump plan “despite significant reservations.”

In contrast, Hamas’ military commander in Gaza, Izz al-Din Haddad, has indicated a willingness to give up the group’s offensive weapons, such as rockets, but insists on retaining “defensive” weapons like assault rifles.

The tensions among Hamas leaders reflect the stark differences in their respective circumstances. While Israel unsuccessfully targeted Hamas’ political leaders in Qatar last month, al-Hayya and other senior political figures in Doha continue to live in comfort, far removed from the grim realities of the war-torn Gaza Strip.

In contrast, Haddad and the remaining Hamas military leaders are now confronting an Israeli military encirclement of Gaza City. Trump recently warned that Hamas would face destruction if it rejects his Gaza peace proposal.

While Hamas has repeatedly rejected past peace proposals, Israeli officials are now reportedly optimistic that the remaining Israeli hostages could be released “within a few days.”