PM Modi Welcomes Agreement on First Phase of President Trump's Gaza Peace Plan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday welcomed the agreement on the first phase of President Donald Trump's proposed peace plan on Gaza, saying that he hoped the release of hostages and enhanced humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza would bring respite to them and pave the way for lasting peace in the region. PM Modi also praised Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for displaying "strong leadership" by agreeing to the peace plan.The terms of this initial phase include the imminent release of all hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to a mutually agreed boundary. The announcement came via a Truth Social post, in which Trump confirmed that all hostages would soon be released and Israeli troops would withdraw to an agreed-upon

line. “This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America,” Trump wrote, highlighting the international scope of the agreement.

Trump praised the role of mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, noting that their collaboration was instrumental in facilitating this unprecedented step. “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!” he added, framing the development as a landmark achievement in Middle East diplomacy. Observers see this as a crucial first step toward stabilizing the region, which has been engulfed in cyclical conflict and humanitarian crises. According to several diplomatic sources, the agreement emerged from ongoing talks held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, involving Israel, Hamas, and US envoys.What is the First Phase of Gaza Peace PlanThis milestone follows Trump’s September unveiling of a 20-point plan for Gaza, designed to bring an end to years of conflict. The roadmap includes phases on ceasefire, prisoner and hostage exchanges, a partial Israeli pullback, and ultimately a transition to a provisional governance structure in Gaza.In parallel, negotiators have already exchanged prisoner and hostage lists, indicating momentum on both sides. Reports suggest Hamas has submitted names it wishes to release in exchange for Israeli captives.International Stakes and Next StepsTurkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that Trump asked Turkey to engage with Hamas to secure acceptance of the plan. Turkey’s growing role underscores the delicate balance of regional diplomacy. Other nations, including Egypt and Qatar, have acted as key intermediaries in prior ceasefire efforts.The breakthrough leaves thorny issues unresolved: disarming Hamas, Gaza’s governance, who oversees security, and what happens if either side violates terms. Legal and logistical frameworks will now be tested as stakeholders prepare to implement the deal. Meanwhile, tensions remain high, fighting continues in parts of Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis there persists.Diplomatic watchers caution the first phase is fragile—success hinges on trust, enforcement, and whether both parties stick to the agreed rules. But for now, Trump and his mediators claim a bold step forward in one of the world's most intractable conflicts.