Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reacted for the first time to Hamas’ indication that it could release Israeli hostages, calling it a significant step in the search for peace in Gaza. Modi praised US President Donald Trump’s leadership and said India strongly supports all international efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and just peace in the region.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister 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.”
The development comes after Hamas said it was ready to release the hostages it has been holding since the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. The militant group also expressed willingness to hand over power to other Palestinian factions, though it stopped short of accepting key conditions such as disarmament and phased Israeli withdrawal. 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel was preparing for the “immediate implementation” of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan following Hamas’ response. Soon after, Israeli media reported that the military had been asked to scale back offensive operations in Gaza.
Trump’s proposal, presented after nearly two years of fighting, calls for an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a transitional government under an international authority. The plan also envisions a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, something Hamas has not agreed to in its entirety.
The war, triggered by Hamas’ assault on Israel in October 2023 that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, has devastated Gaza. Israel says 48 hostages remain, of which 20 are believed to be alive. According to Gaza’s health authorities, over 66,000 people — most of them civilians — have been killed in Israel’s subsequent military campaign. Widespread destruction, famine-like conditions, and shortages of essential supplies have made life unbearable for millions in the enclave.
