New Delhi, October 4(HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday publicly commended US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, hours after the Palestinian group Hamas signaled its readiness to accept core elements of a proposed peace plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and securing the release of all remaining hostages.

In a statement posted to X, PM Modi underscored India’s support for moves toward a long-lasting and equitable peace in the region. “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.,” he said.

Hamas’s conditional acceptance, coming just hours before a hard deadline set by Trump, includes an immediate cessation of hostilities, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces, the exchange of all hostages for Palestinian detainees, humanitarian access, and a firm commitment against the forced displacement of Gaza residents.

While the contours of the arrangement have been broadly agreed, further negotiations are expected to address outstanding issues, particularly regarding the governance of Gaza after any ceasefire.The development follows two years of violence that have left tens of thousands dead and Gaza facing severe humanitarian crisis, with famine persisting in several areas due to ongoing aid restrictions.

The international community now watches closely as the delicate process of implementing the agreement—and navigating the inevitable challenges of post-conflict recovery—begins to unfold.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar