India Welcomes US-Brokered Israel-Hamas Peace Deal to Release Hostages and End Gaza Conflict

New Delhi:

India has welcomed the US-brokered peace deal between Israel and Hamas that would facilitate the return of hostages held in Gaza and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from the besieged territory. Trump and Netanyahu confirmed the development earlier this morning, aiming to end the conflict that has destabilized the Middle East since 2023.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged this morning that the agreement reflects the strong leadership of Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing hope that it would establish a foundation for lasting peace in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

"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," stated PM Modi in an online post that tagged both US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu.

According to the terms of the deal, Hamas would release all hostages "very soon" while Israel would withdraw its troops beyond an agreed-upon boundary, Trump announced in an earlier online post, describing it as a "great day" for both the Arab and Muslim world and Israel.

Netanyahu characterized the agreement as a "diplomatic success" and a "national and moral victory" for Israel.

"From the beginning, I made it clear: we will not rest until all our hostages return and all our goals are achieved. Through steadfast resolve, powerful military action, and the great efforts of our great friend and ally, President Trump, we have reached this critical turning point," he stated, expressing gratitude to the US President for his "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security and the liberation of hostages.

The Israel-Hamas agreement aims to conclude the two-year conflict that began with Hamas' surprise offensive on Israeli border communities on October 7, 2023.

A central focus of the deal is the release of hostages. Hamas has provided a list of Palestinian prisoners it wants freed from Israeli detention facilities in the initial phase of the agreement. In exchange, Hamas would release 47 remaining hostages, including both living captives and deceased individuals.