Israeli army welcomes peace deal but prepares for any scenario
Israeli army soldiers (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) welcome the signing of the agreement on the return of hostages, but at the same time are ready for any development in the Gaza Strip, the IDF reports.
"During a situational assessment held overnight, the Chief of the General Staff instructed all forces, both on the front lines and in the rear areas, to prepare strong defenses and be ready for any scenario," the statement said.
It is also noted that the deployment of forces will be carried out in accordance with the instructions of the political leadership and the stages of the agreement, with responsibility and an emphasis on the safety of the soldiers.
In addition, the Chief of the General Staff instructed to prepare for leading the operation to return the hostages, which is expected to be "conducted with sensitivity and professionalism."
Agreement between Israel and Hamas
The statement by the Israeli army came after US President Donald Trump announced that an agreement had been reached between representatives of Israel and the Hamas group regarding the implementation of the first phase of the peace plan.
Later, in an interview with Fox News, Trump said that the release of hostages would begin on Monday, October 13.
He also stated that the Gaza Strip would become a "peaceful, much safer place" in the future, and that the United States would continue to contribute to the security and prosperity of the region.
At the beginning of next week, Trump announced a visit to Israel, during which his speech is scheduled to take place in the Knesset.
