New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended a warm welcome to the Israeli hostages release from Gaza, praising US President Donald Trump’s “unwavering” peace efforts and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “strong resolve” that culminated in bringing the captives home after more than two years of imprisonment.
The Indian leader’s statement on social media platform X emphasized India’s support for regional peace initiatives and recognized the diplomatic breakthrough that made the Israeli hostages release possible.
Modi’s Statement on Social Media
In a detailed post addressing the Israeli hostages release, PM Modi highlighted multiple aspects of the successful conclusion to the hostage crisis. “We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity. Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We support President Trump’s sincere efforts to bring peace to the region,” the Prime Minister wrote.
Modi’s statement underscored India’s diplomatic position on the Middle East conflict and its backing for peace initiatives that led to the Israeli hostages release. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on Trump’s “unwavering” efforts and Netanyahu’s “strong resolve” signals India’s appreciation for the leadership demonstrated by both leaders.
Hamas Releases Remaining Hostages
Palestinian militant outfit Hamas on Monday released the remaining 20 Israeli hostages, potentially bringing an end to the fighting in Gaza that erupted following the group’s October 7, 2023 siege in southern Israel. The Israeli hostages release marks a significant milestone in the complex negotiations brokered by the Trump administration.
The October 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, the majority of them civilians. During that devastating assault, Hamas militants took 251 hostages to Gaza, making the recent Israeli hostages release all the more significant for the families who endured over two years of uncertainty and anguish.
Trump’s Role in Brokering the Deal
US President Donald Trump on October 9 announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on the first phase of a plan to stop the fighting in Gaza and secure both the Israeli hostages release and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners. The announcement represented the culmination of intensive diplomatic efforts spanning several months.
The breakthrough that enabled the Israeli hostages release followed days of intensive talks between Hamas, Israel, and other stakeholders held in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm al-Sheikh. These negotiations demonstrated the complex multilateral coordination required to achieve the ceasefire and hostage exchange.
Trump’s Historic Israel Visit
Donald Trump hailed what he termed the end of a “painful nightmare” in a speech to Israel’s Parliament on Monday, delivered after the last surviving hostages returned home from Gaza. The Israeli hostages release was accompanied by the release of a group of Palestinian prisoners under the ceasefire deal Trump helped broker.
The US President’s visit to Israel came ahead of a crucial summit on Gaza in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, where world leaders gathered to discuss the implementation and sustainability of the peace agreement that facilitated the Israeli hostages release.
Also Read: Gaza War Over: Trump’s Bold Middle East Peace Mission Begins
India’s Representation at Gaza Summit
While PM Modi welcomed the Israeli hostages release and praised the peace efforts, he will not personally attend the Sharm El-Sheikh summit on Gaza. Instead, India will be represented by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, at the important gathering.
Singh’s presence at the summit demonstrates India’s continued engagement with Middle East peace processes and its commitment to supporting initiatives that led to the Israeli hostages release. The decision to send ministerial representation ensures India’s voice is heard in discussions about the region’s future.
Significance of the Hostage Release
The Israeli hostages release after more than two years represents not just a humanitarian victory but also a diplomatic achievement of significant proportions. The families of the hostages endured an extended period of anxiety and uncertainty, making their reunion with loved ones particularly emotional.
Modi’s recognition of the families’ courage in his statement acknowledges the personal toll the crisis took on those waiting for news of their relatives. The Israeli hostages release brings closure to a chapter that began with the tragic events of October 7, 2023.
Ceasefire Deal Components
The agreement that enabled the Israeli hostages release includes multiple phases. The first phase involves the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas, while Israel agreed to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from its detention facilities. Additionally, humanitarian aid will be permitted to enter the Gaza Strip to address civilian needs.
The Israeli hostages release forms part of a broader ceasefire framework designed to end hostilities that have lasted over two years. However, the details of subsequent phases beyond the initial Israeli hostages release remain subject to further negotiation.
India’s Middle East Policy
Modi’s statement praising the Israeli hostages release reflects India’s balanced approach to Middle East diplomacy. By acknowledging both Trump’s peace efforts and Netanyahu’s leadership while supporting regional stability, India positions itself as a constructive voice in international affairs.
The Prime Minister’s emphasis on supporting Trump’s “sincere efforts to bring peace to the region” indicates India’s willingness to back multilateral initiatives that promote stability and resolve humanitarian crises like the one that necessitated the Israeli hostages release.
Looking Forward
As the international community processes the successful Israeli hostages release, attention now turns to maintaining the ceasefire and implementing subsequent phases of the peace agreement. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this breakthrough represents a lasting peace or merely a temporary respite in a long-running conflict.
