The Israeli army on Thursday welcomed the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages held in Gaza and said it was "preparing to receive them.
"The IDF welcomes the signing of the agreement for the return of the hostages, which was signed overnight," Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a post on X.
Lt general Eyal Zamir, the IDF's chief of 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.
"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. Force deployments will be carried out in accordance with the directives of the political echelon and the stages of the agreement, with responsibility and a focus on the safety of our soldiers," the IDF said in a post on X.
"At the same time, the Chief of the General Staff instructed to prepare to lead the operation for the hostages’ return, which is expected to be conducted with sensitivity and professionalism. The IDF will continue to act to achieve the objectives of the war and to defend the citizens of the State of Israel on all fronts," the IDF added.
After months of deadlock, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a long-awaited breakthrough that could point toward an end to the two-year war in the Gaza Strip.
President Donald Trump, who helped broker the deal, announced on social media Wednesday night that both sides had agreed to the first phase of his plan, including that Israel would pull back their troops to an agreed upon line. Qatar , one of the countries helping negotiate, and Hamas also indicated in statements that the deal would allow for the entry of aid into Gaza.
Qatar, which helped broker the deal along with Egypt , the United States and Turkey, said the deal was the "first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid".
"ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," Trump wrote on his Truth Social network.
"The IDF welcomes the signing of the agreement for the return of the hostages, which was signed overnight," Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a post on X.
Lt general Eyal Zamir, the IDF's chief of 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.
The IDF welcomes the signing of the agreement for the return of the hostages, which was signed overnight.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 9, 2025
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…
"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. Force deployments will be carried out in accordance with the directives of the political echelon and the stages of the agreement, with responsibility and a focus on the safety of our soldiers," the IDF said in a post on X.
"At the same time, the Chief of the General Staff instructed to prepare to lead the operation for the hostages’ return, which is expected to be conducted with sensitivity and professionalism. The IDF will continue to act to achieve the objectives of the war and to defend the citizens of the State of Israel on all fronts," the IDF added.
After months of deadlock, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a long-awaited breakthrough that could point toward an end to the two-year war in the Gaza Strip.
President Donald Trump, who helped broker the deal, announced on social media Wednesday night that both sides had agreed to the first phase of his plan, including that Israel would pull back their troops to an agreed upon line. Qatar , one of the countries helping negotiate, and Hamas also indicated in statements that the deal would allow for the entry of aid into Gaza.
Qatar, which helped broker the deal along with Egypt , the United States and Turkey, said the deal was the "first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, which will lead to ending the war, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of aid".
"ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," Trump wrote on his Truth Social network.
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