PM Modi welcomes Gaza ceasefire, hails Netanyahu’s leadership

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the agreement on the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, which includes a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, describing the agreement as a significant step forward.

“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,” Modi wrote.

The Indian Prime Minister’s remarks came shortly after a broad diplomatic breakthrough was announced involving Israel, Hamas, and international mediators. The deal, brokered with the help of the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye, was welcomed globally.

Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, expressed appreciation for India's support, posting, “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!”

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also welcomed the announcement, commending the intense diplomatic efforts and calling on all parties to fully implement the terms of the agreement.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, confirmed on Thursday that all terms and implementation mechanisms for the first phase had been agreed. This includes a cessation of hostilities, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“The mediators announce that tonight an agreement was reached on all the provisions and implementation mechanisms of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement… The details will be announced later,” Al Ansari said in a statement on X.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu hailed the deal as “a great day for Israel”, vowing to convene the Israeli government to approve the agreement and “bring all our precious kidnapped people home”. He also thanked the Israeli defence forces and President Trump for their efforts in securing the deal.

Hamas also issued a public statement via Telegram, confirming what it called “the conclusion of an agreement stipulating an end to the war on Gaza, the occupation’s withdrawal, the entry of aid, and a prisoner exchange”. The group called on the United States, Arab mediators, and the international community to ensure Israel complies with the agreement.

While the first phase is now in place, full details of the multi-stage peace plan are yet to be disclosed. The international community is closely watching the implementation of the agreement, which many hope will mark the beginning of a lasting resolution to the conflict.

ANI