Amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Gaza, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended India’s support to the peace process and welcomed reports of progress towards the release of hostages. His remarks came as international attention turned to a fresh initiative led by United States President Donald Trump, which seeks to bring an immediate ceasefire and a long-term settlement in the region.
In a post on X on Saturday, PM Modi said: “We welcome President Trump’s leadership as peace efforts in Gaza 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’s statement followed reports that Hamas has agreed to release all Israeli hostages currently held in Gaza, a development widely seen as a breakthrough after months of negotiations and violence. The move comes in response to a 20-point peace plan unveiled by President Trump earlier this week, aimed at securing both humanitarian relief and political stability in the Gaza Strip.
In a video message, President Trump called it a “very special day” and said the progress made was “unprecedented”. He expressed optimism about the talks and thanked world leaders for their support. “We’re very close to achieving that… We have to get the final word down in concrete,” he said.
According to reports, the Hamas leadership, in a statement shared via Telegram, confirmed its willingness to begin immediate negotiations and to transfer the administration of Gaza to a non-partisan, technocratic Palestinian body supported by Arab and Islamic nations.
As part of the proposed peace framework, the United States has suggested setting up an international transitional body named the ‘Board of Peace,’ which would supervise Gaza’s reconstruction and governance during the interim phase. The board is expected to include prominent global figures, among them President Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
However, President Trump has made it clear that time is running out for Hamas to agree to the proposal. In a warning issued on Truth Social, he said the group must sign on to the plan by Sunday evening or face “unprecedented consequences.” “If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL… will break out against Hamas,” his post read.
At present, around 48 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with about 20 confirmed to be alive. Efforts are continuing to secure their release as the situation in the region remains tense.
India has consistently backed a two-state solution and has reiterated its support for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict as the world waits for the next stage in the peace process to unfold.
