Israel is preparing to carry out the initial stage of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Gaza cease-fire plan after Hamas signaled its approval, the prime minister’s office announced Saturday.
The Israeli government would continue working with the U.S. administration to end the war in line with the "principles set out by Israel, which align with President Trump's vision," it said in a statement.
Media reports said the Israeli military has been instructed to scale back attacks in Gaza, with negotiations expected to begin soon.
Hamas issued its formal response to Trump's plan earlier Friday, in which it approved the release of all Israeli captives, the delivery of the bodies of the deceased and the handover of Gaza's administration to an independent technocratic Palestinian body.
Trump gave Hamas until 6 pm Washington time (2200GMT) on Sunday to approve his plan that he announced earlier this week.
