Israel freezes Gaza City operation, prepares talks following Hamas response on ceasefire plan: report

JERUSALEM -- Israel has halted all military offensive operations to capture Gaza City, shifting its forces to defensive operations only, Israeli leading media outlets reported Saturday morning.

Israel's move followed US President Donald Trump's demand that Israel immediately stop bombing Gaza, after Hamas responded to the US president's 20-point plan by saying it was ready in principle to release all 48 Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Israel is also reportedly planning to send a negotiating team to finalize the deal, which includes a truce in Gaza, the return of hostages, the release of Palestinians from Israeli prisons, and international oversight on Gaza's reconstruction and governance after the end of the conflict.

It was not specified whether the talks would take place in Doha, Qatar, as in previous rounds.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that its chief, Eyal Zamir, convened a special situation assessment overnight, in light of recent developments, with the participation of senior officers.

In accordance with directives from the political echelon, Zamir instructed that preparations be advanced for the implementation of the first phase of the Trump plan for the release of the hostages, according to an IDF statement.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a statement that "in light of Hamas's response, Israel is preparing to immediately implement the first phase of Trump's plan for the immediate release of all hostages."

It added, "We will continue to work in full cooperation with the president and his team to end the war in accordance with the principles set forth by Israel that are consistent with President Trump's vision."

Hamas said earlier it had agreed in principle to release all Israeli hostages under the proposed exchange and is ready to negotiate an implementation.

It pledged to transfer Gaza's administration to independent technocrats backed by Arab and Islamic states, and welcomed international efforts to end the conflict and address Gaza's future under international law.