Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded US President Donald Trump for his efforts to bring peace in Gaza, following Hamas’ acceptance of parts of Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
Taking to social media platform “X”, PM Modi wrote, "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."
US President Donald Trump on Saturday called on Israel to "immediately stop the bombing of Gaza", shortly after Hamas agreed to parts of his plan, including freeing all hostages. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly... this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East." Trump said.
He also shared a video message thanking all countries that helped broker the peace in the region. "I want to thank the countries for helping me put this together - Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and so many others. So many people fought so hard. This is a big day. We'll see how it all turns out. We have to get the final word down and concrete. Very importantly, I look forward to having the hostages come home to their parents. Some of the hostages, unfortunately, you know the condition they're in come home likewise to their parents because their parents wanted them just as much as though that young man or young woman were alive," he said.
However, Hamas on Friday agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages but stated it seeks further negotiations on several key points of the US peace plan. In a statement, the group said it had agreed "to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and dead, according to the exchange formula contained in President Trump's proposal", provided the proper conditions for the exchanges are met.
The announcement came hours after the Republican leader issued an ultimatum to the Palestinian group to accept his plan by Sunday, 6 pm (US time), or face "all hell."
