India welcomed Israel and Hamas’ cease-fire agreement, expressing optimism for continued humanitarian supplies to Gaza, where over 40,000 Palestinians have died during the 15-month conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs remarked, “We support the agreement for hostage release and truce in Gaza. We hope that this assures safe and ongoing humanitarian aid. India has continuously called for a cease-fire, hostage release, and talks.
The arrangement, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, comes ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, during which he warned Hamas of serious consequences if hostages remained captive.
The cease-fire, which takes effect on January 19, is divided into three parts. Phase one entails a six-week truce in which Hamas releases 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, in exchange for Palestinian inmates. The second phase will see the release of all hostages, with the goal of achieving a permanent peace and complete Israeli disengagement. Egypt, Qatar, and the UN will oversee the third phase, which will include humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and the return of deceased victims to their families.
