PM Modi Congratulates Netanyahu on Gaza Peace Agreement: International Leaders Welcome Trump's Peace Initiative

PM Narendra Modi engaged in a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to express his congratulations regarding the advancements made under US President Donald Trump's Gaza Peace Plan.

In a message shared on social platform X, Prime Minister Modi stated, "Called my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu, to congratulate him on the progress made under President Trump's Gaza peace plan. We welcome the agreement on the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. Reaffirmed that terrorism in any form or manifestation is unacceptable anywhere in the world."

The Office of the Prime Minister of Israel confirmed this exchange on X, stating, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just spoke with the Prime Minister of India @narendramodi. @PMOIndia Modi conveyed his congratulations to Prime Minister Netanyahu on the agreement achieved for the release of all of the hostages."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also expressed support for the peace developments in the Middle East, describing it as a significant advancement not only for regional stability but for global security as well.

Zelenskyy noted on X, "It is important that the prospect of establishing lasting peace in the Middle East is drawing closer to being realised. This matters not only for that one region, but for the whole world. An agreement is moving forward that could help everyone."

Highlighting the broader implications, the Ukrainian President remarked, "If violence and war are halted in one part of the world, global security increases for all." He also expressed gratitude to the United States for its diplomatic leadership and voiced hope for the release of hostages and an end to civilian suffering in Gaza.

French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both welcomed the overnight agreement for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, praising the diplomatic efforts behind this breakthrough.

Macron stated on X, "Great hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the entire region. I welcome the agreement reached overnight for the release of the hostages and the ceasefire in Gaza, and I commend the efforts of President @realDonaldTrump, as well as the Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators who helped make it happen."

He called for strict adherence to the agreement terms and emphasized France's readiness to contribute to peace and reconstruction efforts.

European Commission President von der Leyen similarly praised the agreement, acknowledging the international collaboration involved. She emphasized the importance of full compliance with the agreement terms, safe release of all hostages, and establishment of a permanent ceasefire.

Prime Minister Modi further welcomed the agreement on the first phase of President Trump's peace plan, emphasizing the strong leadership demonstrated by Prime Minister Netanyahu. He expressed hope that the hostage release and enhanced humanitarian assistance would bring relief to Gaza residents and facilitate lasting regional peace.

Israel's Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, expressed appreciation for India's consistent support, stating on X, "Thankful for the efforts of the Israeli delegation and all involved in reaching the agreement that will release all our hostages. Special thanks to POTUS Trump. May we see peace restored soon, free from terror threats. Appreciate India's support all along!"

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the ceasefire agreement announcement and urged all parties to fully respect its terms.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari confirmed that an agreement had been reached on all provisions and implementation mechanisms for the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, covering the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu described the development as "a great day for Israel," announcing plans to convene the government to approve the agreement and thanking US President Trump and his team for their commitment to securing the release of kidnapped individuals.

Hamas issued its first public statement following President Trump's announcement, confirming "the conclusion of an agreement stipulating an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation's withdrawal from it, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange." The group called on international parties to ensure Israel's full compliance with the agreement's requirements.