Don't Celebrate Yet
Here's Why the IDF Has Stopped The Fighting In Gaza
IDF begins preparations for the release of hostages from Gaza following Hamas’s agreement to resume negotiations under President Trump’s plan, concentrating all Southern Command forces and deploying air and drone support to ensure troop safety and rapid threat response.
Following Hamas’s official announcement on Shabbat of its willingness to re-enter negotiations under President Trump’s plan, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun preparations for the release of hostages and the withdrawal of forces from the Gaza Strip.
According to reports from the Gaza front, the IDF has deployed drones, helicopters, and fighter jets over the Strip to prevent threats and attempts against troops operating deep within Gaza.
The IDF stated: “The Chief of Staff convened a special situation assessment overnight (Saturday) in light of recent developments. Participants included the Deputy Chief of Staff, Head of Operations, Head of Intelligence, Head of Planning, Commander of the Southern Command, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Air Force Commander, and other senior officials.”
The statement continued: “In accordance with guidance from the political leadership, the Chief of Staff instructed preparations for the implementation of the first phase of President Trump’s plan for the release of hostages. At the same time, the safety of our forces remains the highest priority, and all IDF capabilities will be allocated to the Southern Command to protect our troops.”
“The Chief of Staff emphasized that due to the operational sensitivity, all units must maintain heightened alertness and vigilance, and reinforced the need for rapid responses to neutralize any threats,” the statement concluded.
Senior Diplomatic Source Explains Halt to Gaza Fighting
In an unofficial briefing, a senior diplomatic source explained the rationale behind Netanyahu ordering a halt to operations in the Gaza Strip.
“The cessation of the IDF’s offensive activity in the Strip is intended to allow Hamas to begin organizing for the release of hostages,” the source said.
The official emphasized this is not a formal ceasefire that requires Hamas to return hostages within three days, nor is it the start of a withdrawal. “There may be tactical adjustments aimed at protecting our soldiers,” he added.
The source also issued a clear warning to Hamas: “We are constantly monitoring events on the ground and will not allow terrorist organizations to try to exploit the opportunity to carry out a last‑minute attack or to strengthen their hold on territory. The negotiations that open tomorrow will show from the outset whether Hamas is bluffing again or has understood that it has no choice but to accept President Trump’s plan.”
The report recalled President Trump’s statement following Hamas’s reply, in which Trump said he believed Hamas was ready for lasting peace and urged Israel to stop bombings so hostages could be recovered safely. The Prime Minister’s Office subsequently said Israel was preparing to implement the first stage of Trump’s plan for the immediate release of hostages and would continue coordinating with the U.S. team.
All of this notwithstanding, a Palestinian source familiar with the details of the negotiations said that Hamas is pessimistic about the prospects of reaching a comprehensive agreement to end the war, and is instead considering only a partial deal.
Despite these doubts, the source added, the organization is avoiding public statements on the matter in order not to anger U.S. President Donald Trump or the mediating parties.