NKTV Digital
Author: NKTV Digital

Israel and Hamas sign first phase of peace plan

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed the agreement on the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.

He described the development as a reflection of the strong leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and expressed hope that the release of hostages, along with enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, will provide much-needed respite and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.

“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. We hope the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza will bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace,” he said in a post on X.

Trump announced on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had reached a long-awaited deal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release under his plan to end the two-year conflict.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the development as a “moment of profound relief” for hostages, their families, and civilians in Gaza. He urged all parties to implement the agreement fully and allow immediate, unrestricted humanitarian aid into the enclave, calling for a “just and lasting end to the conflict.”

Canada’s Global Affairs Department echoed Starmer’s sentiment, noting that hostages would finally be reunited with their families and that Israeli troops would withdraw to agreed lines. The department emphasized the need for unhindered humanitarian assistance and said Canada would support efforts to turn this first step into lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.

Trump hailed the agreement as a historic breakthrough, saying on Truth Social that all hostages would soon be released and that Israel would pull troops back as a first step toward a “strong, durable, and everlasting peace.” He thanked Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their mediation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the day “a big day for Israel” and said he would convene his government to approve the agreement. He expressed gratitude to the Israeli Defense Forces and to Trump for their roles in securing the deal.

Hamas praised the efforts of the mediators and Trump, stressing that the sacrifices of Palestinians would not be in vain. The group reaffirmed its commitment to achieving freedom, independence, and self-determination for its people.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the ceasefire and hostage release, calling for full adherence to the terms and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid. He said the UN would support recovery and reconstruction in Gaza and urged stakeholders to pursue a credible political path toward ending the occupation and achieving a two-state solution.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized that Hamas must release all hostages and Israel withdraw troops to the agreed line, calling it a critical first step toward lasting peace.

NKTV Digital
Author: NKTV Digital