Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India welcomes US President Donald Trump’s leadership as efforts to end the Gaza war showed fresh momentum with signs that Hamas may release Israeli hostages.
In a post on X, 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.”
Trump ordered Israel to halt strikes on Gaza after Hamas confirmed its readiness to hand over hostages and cede governance to other Palestinians, though it sought more consultations on the broader framework.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said preparations were underway for “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s plan, which centres on the release of captives. Israeli media also reported that the military was told to scale back operations.
The Gaza conflict erupted after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage. Israel says 48 hostages remain, 20 of them alive. Gaza health authorities report over 66,000 deaths from the nearly two-year offensive, with famine gripping parts of the enclave.
Hamas, however, has stopped short of accepting demands for disarmament and a phased Israeli pullout. A senior Hamas figure told Al Jazeera the group would not disarm before Israel ends its occupation.
Qatar confirmed it is working with Egypt and the US to keep negotiations alive. Trump’s 20-point proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire, a complete hostage-prisoner swap, a staged Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, and an interim international administration in Gaza.
