New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday commended US President Donald Trump for his active role in mediating the ongoing crisis in Gaza, marking a significant diplomatic development as Hamas agreed to parts of Trump’s 20-point peace proposal.
In a post on X, PM Modi highlighted the progress, stating, “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.”
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister had publicly backed Trump’s Gaza peace plan, describing it as a “viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security, and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region.” He urged all stakeholders to unite behind the initiative to secure lasting peace. Trump subsequently reshared Modi’s endorsement on his Truth Social platform, signaling the mutual recognition of the plan’s potential.
The breakthrough came Friday night when Hamas accepted key components of Trump’s proposal. These include an immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of Israeli and Palestinian captives, and commitments to humanitarian aid and reconstruction. Notably, the Palestinian group also agreed to oppose forced expulsions from the territory. This decision followed a direct ultimatum from Trump, who had given Hamas until Sunday, 6 PM (US time) to comply or face “all hell.”
Responding to the development, Trump called on Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza” to ensure the safe and swift release of hostages. He emphasized that the effort extends beyond Gaza alone, framing it as part of a broader quest for enduring peace in the Middle East.
In a video message shared on Truth Social, Trump expressed gratitude to the nations that assisted in the diplomatic push, naming Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and others. He described the day as “very special” and unprecedented, highlighting the collective desire of the international community to bring an end to the conflict and ensure fair treatment for all parties.
Trump also stressed the humanitarian dimension, noting the urgent need for hostages to return safely to their families, some of whom have endured prolonged and difficult separation. “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.
As Hamas’s partial acceptance of the peace plan reverberates across the region, international observers are cautiously optimistic that this could mark a turning point in one of the most intractable conflicts in recent history. With PM Modi and other world leaders voicing support for Trump’s initiative, the coming days will be critical in translating diplomatic agreements into tangible results on the ground.