India welcomed US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan to end the Israel-Hamas conflict and establish peace in Gaza, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday calling the initiative a "viable pathway" for long-term peace and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people.
Trump unveiled his "peace proposal" on Monday, which envisages the return of all hostages captured by Hamas, whether living or dead, within 72 hours of a ceasefire. There are many details to be worked out by the negotiators in the plan, further relying on acceptance by Hamas, which led to the conflicts with its terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023.
According to the plan, the Gaza Strip, which is the most densely populated enclave, and where the offences by the Israeli Military have claimed over 66,000 lives, will be redeveloped as "New Gaza."
India has constantly urged a return to dialogue and diplomacy to end the Israel-Hamas conflict and to pave the way for efforts aimed at a two-state solution. Now, PM Modi has endorsed Trump's initiative.
PM Modi took to his social media, saying, "We welcome President Donald J. Trump's announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It provides a viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security, and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region."
Adding, "We hope that all concerned will come together behind President Trump's initiative and support this effort to end conflict and secure peace."
The 20-point plan was announced by Trump on Monday as he met his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, at the White House. Following this, if Israel and Hamas agree to the proposal, then the war will end immediately. The Israeli forces will partially withdraw and prepare for the release of the hostages.
Until conditions are met for a 'complete staged withdrawal' of the Israeli forces, all military operations will be suspended and battle lines will be frozen. As soon as all hostages are released, Israel will free 250 soldiers serving life sentences, along with 1,700 people arrested from Gaza, ever since the start of the conflict in 2023. Following the release of the hostages, those Hamas members who "commit to peaceful co-existence" and give up arms will be provided amnesty. Those Hamas members who wish to leave Gaza will be provided a safe passage.
India continues to be concerned about the security situation in the region, calling for a ceasefire, with the release of all the hostages, and a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.