Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a significant diplomatic move, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to congratulate him on the progress made under US President Donald Trump's Gaza Peace Plan. The conversation came as Israel approved the first phase of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas.

During the call, PM Modi welcomed the successful implementation of the first phase of the peace plan, which includes the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza. Modi reaffirmed India’s stance that terrorism in any form is unacceptable anywhere in the world. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Modi expressed his appreciation for the agreement reached for the release of all hostages.

Following the phone call, PM Modi shared on X, “Called my friend, Prime Minister Netanyahu, to congratulate him on the progress made under President Trump's Gaza peace plan. We welcome the agreement on the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. Reaffirmed that terrorism in any form or manifestation is unacceptable anywhere in the world.”

The Israeli government had paused its security cabinet meeting to allow Netanyahu to speak with PM Modi. The cabinet later voted in favor of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement, marking a critical step in Trump’s 20-point Gaza Peace Plan. The first phase includes Israel’s withdrawal from certain parts of Gaza and the safe release of hostages held by Hamas.

US President Donald Trump had announced the agreement earlier this week, highlighting the historic nature of the deal. Speaking from the White House, Trump described the agreement as a momentous breakthrough in the Middle East, stating that the war in Gaza could now come to an end and hopes for lasting peace. He also emphasized his administration’s role in resolving multiple global conflicts during his tenure.

Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya confirmed that the first phase guarantees a ceasefire and marked a complete pause to hostilities in Gaza. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner participated in the Israeli cabinet meeting where the ceasefire plan was approved.

This development underscores the growing international coordination in the Middle East peace process, with India openly supporting measures for hostages’ release, humanitarian aid, and long-term stability in the Gaza region.

#world news #Global News #India News