Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted the initial phase of US President Donald Trump's peace plan between Israel and Hamas as a great step toward lasting peace in war-ravaged Gaza.
On X, PM Modi posted, "We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace."
Details of the US- and Qatari-brokered deal
India has consistently supported all diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring peace and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Modi’s remarks came shortly after Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a US- and Qatari-brokered deal that includes the release of hostages and a partial Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.
Israel and Gaza have reportedly agreed to pause fighting and exchange prisoners and hostages in accordance with the new set-up. The agreement, under Trump's 20-point peace plan, was negotiated indirectly in Egypt. It was the greatest diplomatic achievement in the two-year war that destroyed Gaza and displaced millions.
The guarded optimism
The Israeli and Gaza celebrations came about following the breaking news of the deal. Israeli hostages' families gathered in Tel Aviv, igniting fireworks waiting for the return, while Palestinian hopes were guarded that the violence would subside.
Hamas will free all 20 living hostages within days, with Israel starting a phased withdrawal from the majority of Gaza, according to sources quoted by the Associated Press. But several crucial questions are still in question.
The war which began following Hamas' cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, has taken tens of thousands of lives and attracted international outcry. The fresh peace agreement, if completely enacted, would be a significant turning point in the quest to pacify the Middle East and redevelop the war-torn region.
