New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the decisive progress in Gaza peace efforts under President Donald Trump’s leadership, calling the potential release of Israeli hostages a significant step toward restoring stability in the Middle East. India has pledged continued support for achieving durable and just peace in the conflict-torn region.
PM Modi’s Statement on Gaza Peace Efforts
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi expressed India’s appreciation for the advancing Gaza peace efforts. He specifically highlighted the indications of hostage release by Hamas as marking substantial progress toward ending the nearly two-year conflict that has devastated the region and claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Modi’s statement emphasized India’s commitment to supporting international initiatives aimed at establishing lasting peace. “We welcome President Trump’s leadership as Gaza peace efforts 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,” the Prime Minister declared.
Trump Orders Cessation of Israeli Military Operations
President Donald Trump issued orders to Israel to immediately halt bombing operations in the Gaza Strip following Hamas’s acceptance of key elements in his comprehensive peace proposal. Trump’s intervention came after Hamas indicated willingness to release all remaining hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the current conflict.
The Trump administration’s Gaza peace efforts represent unprecedented American engagement in resolving one of the world’s most intractable conflicts. The proposal aims to address immediate humanitarian concerns while establishing frameworks for long-term stability and governance in Gaza.
Hamas’s Response to Peace Proposal
Hamas announced its willingness to cooperate with Gaza peace efforts by agreeing to release hostages and transfer power to other Palestinian authorities. However, the organization indicated that certain aspects of Trump’s plan require additional consultations among Palestinian factions before final acceptance.
According to Hamas’s official response, the group agreed to hand over Gaza’s administration to other Palestinians, representing a significant shift in its governance position. This willingness to relinquish control demonstrates Hamas’s engagement with international Gaza peace efforts, though critical details remain subject to negotiation.
Israel Prepares for Hostage Release Implementation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced preparations for immediate implementation of the first stage of Trump’s plan following Hamas’s response to Gaza peace efforts. The Israeli government expressed readiness to proceed with hostage exchange protocols once operational details are finalized through mediators.
Israeli authorities reported that the country’s political leadership subsequently instructed military forces to reduce offensive activities in Gaza. This de-escalation represents tangible progress in Gaza peace efforts and creates conditions for implementing the proposed agreement’s initial phases.
Background of the Conflict
The current Gaza conflict began following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 individuals taken as hostages to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Israeli authorities indicate that 48 hostages remain in captivity, with 20 believed to be alive.
Gaza health authorities report that Israel’s subsequent military campaign has killed over 66,000 people in Gaza, predominantly civilians. The assault has destroyed substantial portions of the territory, while aid restrictions have triggered famine conditions in parts of Gaza, creating dire humanitarian circumstances across the enclave.
Key Sticking Points in Gaza Peace Efforts
Despite progress, significant obstacles remain in Gaza peace efforts. Hamas’s response did not explicitly address whether the organization would agree to disarm and demilitarize Gaza—a critical demand from Israel and the United States that Hamas has previously rejected.
Additionally, Hamas did not accept the proposed staged Israeli withdrawal, instead demanding immediate and complete withdrawal from Gaza. A senior Hamas official stated the group would not disarm before Israel’s occupation ends, highlighting the substantial gap between parties despite advancing Gaza peace efforts.
International Mediation Role
Qatar has initiated coordination with mediator Egypt and the United States to continue negotiations on Trump’s plan. The Qatari foreign ministry confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts to bridge differences between parties and advance Gaza peace efforts toward successful implementation.
Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Framework
Trump’s proposal for Gaza peace efforts specifies several critical components: an immediate ceasefire, exchange of all Hamas-held hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody, staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas’s disarmament, and introduction of a transitional government led by an international body.
This comprehensive approach addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term governance structures, representing the most detailed American peace initiative for Gaza in recent years.
Conclusion: Path Toward Lasting Peace
Prime Minister Modi’s endorsement of Gaza peace efforts reflects India’s growing engagement with Middle Eastern affairs and commitment to supporting international peace initiatives. As negotiations continue through established mediators, the international community remains cautiously optimistic that this breakthrough could end two years of devastating conflict and establish foundations for lasting regional stability.
