Tel Aviv / Gaza — Israel has immediately suspended its planned operation to seize Gaza City after Hamas delivered a positive response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace proposal, officials said. Military and political establishments in Israel have moved to implement the first phase of the plan, while regional and international actors urged quick, coordinated action to capitalize on the diplomatic opening.
An official statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the Chief of Staff convened a meeting to review the latest developments. The session included the deputy chief of staff and the heads of operations, intelligence and planning directorates, along with other senior commanders. Following the review, the IDF ordered that all available capabilities be placed under the Southern Command to prioritize troop safety and prepare for phased operational changes related to hostage recovery and the proposed ceasefire arrangements.
Shift from Offensive to Negotiated Steps
According to the IDF’s statement, the chief of staff has directed immediate preparations to begin execution of the hostage-release plan contained in the initial phase of the Trump proposal, while maintaining that the protection of Israeli forces remains the highest priority. Military spokesmen said that the altered posture will emphasize protection and controlled, deliberate steps tied to the negotiated framework rather than a full-scale ground occupation of Gaza City.
Israeli media reported that the government has instructed the IDF to halt the offensive plan to occupy Gaza City, a decision that reflects a rapid strategic recalibration following Hamas’ conditional acceptance of parts of the U.S. initiative. U.S. outlets have likewise reported that Israel will shift its operations in the Gaza Strip toward a defensive stance while pausing the planned urban takeover.
Hostage Families Demand Immediate Talks
Relatives of Israeli hostages welcomed President Trump’s announcement but urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to open direct negotiations immediately to secure the safe return of their loved ones. Families have been vocal in demanding swift action and clearer timelines from their government, pressing leaders to prioritize human life in diplomatic and military calculations.
International Endorsement and Urgent Calls for Implementation
International leaders moved quickly to support rapid implementation of the agreement’s terms. The British Prime Minister called on all parties to implement the Trump plan without delay, describing Hamas’ response as an important breakthrough and urging urgent negotiations to ensure the release of hostages, unhindered humanitarian access, and cessation of hostilities. London framed the development as a crucial window for de-escalation and renewed diplomacy.
German Chancellor likewise urged immediate, comprehensive steps: the release of hostages, the demilitarization of certain aspects of the conflict, and an immediate end to active fighting. Berlin stressed that this is a rare and time-sensitive opportunity for peace after nearly two years of recurrent violence and humanitarian strain.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the urgency, calling for prompt implementation of Hamas’ commitments and urging international partners to coordinate closely with the United States, Palestine, and Israel. He emphasized that diplomatic follow-through would be essential to translate the moment into lasting progress.
United Nations Encouraged
A United Nations spokesperson said Hamas’ statement had encouraged U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, who has repeatedly called for an end to the Gaza war. The U.N. chief urged all parties to seize the opportunity and stressed the importance of ensuring the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid to address the acute needs of civilians in Gaza.
Humanitarian Imperatives
Diplomats and humanitarian organizations highlighted that any agreement must prioritize the immediate and safe delivery of aid to Gaza’s civilian population, many of whom face shortages of food, medicine, clean water and shelter. Ensuring safe corridors and operational guarantees for aid convoys are expected to be central elements of the coming phases of talks.
Diplomatic Momentum and Remaining Obstacles
While the diplomatic shift has generated cautious optimism, analysts warned that serious obstacles remain. Hardline elements within Israel’s political coalition may resist concessions perceived as compromising national security, and factions within Hamas may condition acceptance on concrete guarantees regarding the blockade, reconstruction funding, and longer-term political outcomes. Both sides will need clear, enforceable steps and external guarantees to sustain any agreement.
Regional mediators — including Qatar, Egypt, and other Arab states — are expected to play an active role in facilitating implementation, verification and prisoner exchanges. Their involvement could provide the diplomatic and logistical channels required to move from statements of intent to concrete action on the ground.
What Comes Next
Official sources indicated that Israel is readying to begin the operational elements tied to the first phase of the U.S. plan, notably those related to the secure release of hostages and cessation of offensive moves in densely populated urban areas. At the same time, international pressure for rapid humanitarian relief and a durable ceasefire will likely increase over the coming days.
