PM Modi responds to Trump's peace agreement with Gaza and praises Israel's Netanyahu, saying, "I hope the hostages will be released"

The agreement between Israel and Hamas on the first phase of US President Donald Trump's peace proposal was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, who described it as a step toward enduring peace in the area. Modi also praised the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"We are pleased that President Trump's peace plan's first phase has been agreed upon. In a post on X, PM Narendra Modi stated, "This is also a reflection of the strong leadership of PM Netanyahu." The release of hostages and increased humanitarian aid "will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace," Modi continued, expressing optimism for stability in Gaza. India has insisted that it backs any diplomatic initiatives meant to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza and bring about peace.

Hours after Donald Trump declared that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement for the release of hostages and a partial troop pullout mediated by the United States and Qatar, Modi made his remark. The Trump administration proposed an arrangement between Israel and Hamas to cease hostilities in Gaza and free at least some hostages and prisoners. The deal is the largest development in the horrific two-year-old conflict in months.