Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed the agreement reached between Israel and Hamas under the first phase of former US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, describing it as a positive step toward lasting peace in the Middle East. Calling the accord a reflection of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strong leadership, Modi expressed optimism that the deal would bring much-needed stability to the war-torn Gaza region.

The Indian Prime Minister said, “We welcome the agreement on the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan. This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu.” He further added that the release of hostages and the increased humanitarian assistance would provide relief to the people of Gaza and create an opportunity for enduring peace in the region. India, he reaffirmed, has consistently supported all diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring calm and addressing the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in Gaza since the onset of the conflict.

Modi’s remarks came shortly after Donald Trump formally announced that both Israel and Hamas had agreed to a deal brokered by the United States and Qatar, which includes provisions for the release of hostages, partial troop withdrawals, and a pause in fighting. The agreement is being hailed as the most significant breakthrough in months in a war that has ravaged Gaza for two years, causing immense loss of life and destruction.

According to reports, both Israel and Hamas have confirmed the details of the deal. Families of Israeli hostages gathered in Tel Aviv to celebrate the news, while in Gaza, residents expressed cautious hope that this might finally mark the beginning of the end of the devastating conflict. The accord was reached just one day after the second anniversary of Hamas’ cross-border assault that triggered Israel’s massive retaliatory offensive in 2023.

Indirect negotiations in Cairo, mediated by Egyptian officials, led to the finalization of the first stage of Trump’s 20-point peace framework designed to restore stability and governance in Gaza. If successfully implemented, this phase could represent the closest the two sides have come to ending hostilities since the war began. Observers say it could alter the dynamics of the broader Middle East, which has seen rising tensions and military involvement from regional players such as Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon.

The agreement reportedly includes Hamas’s commitment to release all 20 remaining Israeli hostages within days, while Israel will begin a phased military withdrawal from most areas of Gaza. The Associated Press, citing sources familiar with the matter, noted that while the specifics of the agreement have not yet been made fully public, the broad framework has been accepted by both parties.

Across Israel and Gaza, the news was met with visible relief. Families of hostages celebrated with fireworks, while Palestinians in Gaza clapped and cheered in anticipation of respite from the relentless violence that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions.

Questions persist about the future governance of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, and the long-term enforcement of peace in a region still scarred by deep mistrust. Analysts caution that while the deal represents a critical step forward, it is only the beginning of a complex process that will determine the region’s future stability.

The conflict, which erupted after Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has been among the deadliest in modern Middle Eastern history. It sparked global outrage, massive protests, and accusations of war crimes, with Israel facing allegations of genocide that it has strongly denied.

As world leaders cautiously welcome the development, Modi’s statement underscores India’s balanced diplomatic stance — supporting peace and humanitarian efforts while maintaining strong ties with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The coming weeks will reveal whether this agreement marks a turning point in one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts or simply another temporary lull in an endless cycle of violence.