Sat Oct 04 13:18:38 UTC 2025: ## The Hindu: Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Gains Momentum Amidst Cautious Optimism
**Tel Aviv – October 4, 2025, 6:48 PM IST** – Hopes for a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip are rising as the Israeli army announced preparations to implement the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan. This announcement follows Hamas’s indication of accepting key elements of the proposal, prompting Mr. Trump to declare his belief that the militant group is “ready for a lasting PEACE.”
The move comes as President Trump seeks to fulfill his pledge to end the conflict and secure the release of remaining hostages before the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. The plan enjoys widespread international support and has been endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced increasing pressure to end the nearly two-year war.
An Israeli official stated the army would move to a defensive-only position, while Egyptian officials reported that talks are underway for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Arab mediators are planning dialogue to unify the Palestinian position on Gaza’s future. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another prominent militant group in Gaza, also accepted Hamas’s response to the Trump plan.
However, significant challenges remain. While Hamas has expressed willingness to release hostages and cede power, it has not addressed the crucial issue of demilitarization. Experts and analysts highlight the potential for Hamas to simply repackage old demands and question the group’s genuine commitment to a lasting resolution. Retired Israeli General Amir Avivi cautioned that Israel would resume its offensive if Hamas fails to disarm.
The war has resulted in a staggering death toll of over 67,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with women and children accounting for approximately half of the casualties. The situation on the ground remains dire, with Israeli troops still laying siege to Gaza City, which experts determined slid into famine shortly before Israel launched its major offensive there. Thousands have fled the city with hundreds of thousands of people staying behind. Israel’s army warned Palestinians against trying to return to the city calling it a “dangerous combat zone”.
The plan entails Hamas releasing remaining hostages, and giving up power and disarming in exchange for Israel halting its offensive, withdrawing from the territory, releasing prisoners, and allowing humanitarian aid and reconstruction.
Protests calling for an end to the war have erupted across Europe, reflecting growing international frustration with the ongoing conflict. Within Gaza, Palestinians express cautious hope but emphasize the need for practical implementation of any agreement. There are also concerns amongst families of the hostages, as they are still unsure of how the situation will play out.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this momentum can translate into a tangible and lasting peace in the region.
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