New Delhi, Oct 9 (UNI) India today welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas for the first phase of a Gaza peace deal that will see a ceasefire after two years of war, and hostage release.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a post on X said the agreement is also a reflection of the strong leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He also expressed hope that the release of hostages and humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will pave the way for lasting peace.
“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.”
Israel and Hamas on Wednesday struck a deal for Hamas to release all remaining hostages and for Israel to withdraw its forces to an “agreed upon line,” President Trump announced, in what he called the “first Phase” of a peace deal to end the two-year-long war.
“This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social. “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
Trump, in an interview Wednesday night with Fox News host Sean Hannity, said that hostages would “probably” be released on Monday, and the exchange would include the release of the bodies of deceased hostages still being held by Hamas.
Fighting is expected to stop as soon as the deal is formally approved by the Israeli cabinet, which is scheduled for today, October 9.
Hamas will release all 20 of the remaining living hostages, including five foreign nationals. This is expected to begin on Monday, October 13.
In exchange, Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. This includes 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 detained since October 7, 2023.
