Israel preparing 'immediate implementation' of captive release plan: PM's office

AFP , Saturday 4 Oct 2025

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Saturday that Israel was seeking the "immediate implementation" of US President Donald Trump's plan to free Israeli captives in Gaza, after Hamas said it was ready for peace talks.

Smoke billows following an Israeli strike in Gaza City, on October 2, 2025, as pictured from Nuseira
Smoke billows following an Israeli strike in Gaza City, on October 2, 2025, as pictured from Nuseirat in central Gaza. AFP

 

"In light of Hamas's response, Israel is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first stage of the Trump plan for the release of all the hostages," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

"We will continue to work in full cooperation with the President and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set out by Israel, which align with President Trump's vision."

Gaza's civil defence agency said Saturday that Israel carried out dozens of air strikes and artillery shelling on Gaza City despite US President Donald Trump's appeal to end bombardments after Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal.

"It was a very violent night, during which the (Israeli army) carried out dozens of air strikes and artillery shelling on Gaza City and other areas in the Strip, despite President Trump's call to halt the bombing," civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP.

Bassal, whose agency is a rescue force which operates under Hamas authority, added that 20 homes were destroyed in the overnight bombardments.

Gaza City's Baptist Hospital said in a statement that it received casualties from a strike on a home in the city's Tuffah neighbourhood, including four dead and several wounded.

Gaza's Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis said two children were killed and eight people were wounded in a drone strike on a tent in a camp for displaced Gazans.

The peace plan for Gaza, presented by Trump this week and backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for a ceasefire, the release of hostages within 72 hours, Hamas's disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Hamas said on Friday it was ready to release hostages held in Gaza under the Trump plan, but wanted negotiations on the details and a say in the future of the Palestinian territory.

Short link: