U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday urged Israel to halt its airstrikes on Gaza, saying Hamas has agreed to release hostages and accept key elements of a U.S. peace proposal . However, he noted that crucial issues such as disarmament remain unsettled.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ‘s office said Israel was preparing for an “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan for the release of Israeli hostages following Hamas’ response.

Shortly after, Israeli media reported that the country’s political echelon had instructed the military to reduce offensive activity in Gaza.

The Israeli military chief of staff instructed forces in a statement to advance readiness for the implementation of the first phase of Trump’s plan, without mentioning whether there w

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