Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the breakthrough in Gaza, expressing strong support for both the release of hostages and the broader quest for enduring peace throughout the Middle East.
Posting on X on Saturday, PM Modi stated: “We welcome President Trump’s leadership as peace efforts in Gaza make decisive progress. Indications of the release of hostages mark a significant step forward. India will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace.”
His comment was made in the midst of significant diplomatic activity in the region, after indications that Hamas would release all Israeli hostages who are being held in Gaza. The move is being viewed as a positive reaction to the renewed peace initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump, introduced earlier in the week as part of a 20-point plan.
In a video message, Trump referred to the moment as a "very special day" and expressed hope regarding the possibility of the hostages' release, terming the event "unprecedented." He also thanked the global community for its support and hinted that the ultimate agreement was within reach. “We're very close to achieving that… We have to get the final word down in concrete,” he said.
As reported in a statement given through Telegram, Hamas assured its commitment to start immediate talks and hand over administrative power of Gaza to a free, technocratic Palestinian government backed by Arab and Islamic states.
Trump's peace plan is said to include a number of specific provisions, such as the instant establishment of a ceasefire, the release of all the hostages within 72 hours, and the establishment of a transitional international authority — the "Board of Peace" — responsible for rebuilding Gaza.
The proposed council would comprise President Trump and other international leaders like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
But Trump also imposed a hard deadline, threatening that Hamas will suffer "unprecedented consequences" if it does not sign the plan by Sunday night. In a Truth Social posting, he warned, “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL… will break out against Hamas.”
As of today, an estimated 48 hostages are thought to still be in Gaza, with about 20 established to be alive. The world is observing the situation with keen interest as talks go on.
India, as it has traditionally been, has reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and peaceful resolution of the Israel–Palestine dispute.
Also Read | Hamas agrees to free all Israeli hostages, subject to certain conditions
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