Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and congratulated him on progress under US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
Taking to X, the Prime Minister said, “Called my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu, to congratulate him on the progress made under President Trump’s Gaza peace plan. We welcome the agreement on the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. Reaffirmed that terrorism in any form or manifestation is unacceptable anywhere in the world.”
The call was made soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the US President to congratulate him on what he called the success of the “historic” Gaza peace plan. PM Modi said they also discussed progress in trade talks and agreed to stay in close touch.
On Friday, Israel’s government ratified a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, clearing the way to suspend hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours and free Israeli hostages held there within 72 hours after that.
Israel and Hamas earlier agreed on the first phase of the peace deal proposed by Trump, marking a breakthrough two years after the conflict began. The agreement starts with the release of hostages held by Hamas and the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops.
The talks, mediated by the United States, gained traction after months of stalemate. They came two years and a day after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel that killed about 1,250 people and led to 250 hostages being taken.
Gaza health officials say around 67,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory offensive that devastated much of the enclave. The UN has warned of famine-like conditions as relief supplies remain restricted.
Trump’s 20-point plan envisions the release of hostages and prisoners, followed by troop withdrawal and Hamas laying down arms. His son-in-law Jared Kushner and special representative Steve Witkoff are overseeing negotiations.
If fully implemented, the plan could revive and expand the Abraham Accords, which normalised Israel’s ties with the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco during Trump’s first term.
Netanyahu, under pressure to bring home the hostages, also faces resistance from right-wing allies who want Israel to retain full control of Gaza. Arab nations have urged Hamas to accept the deal as civilian suffering worsens.
IANS
