Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded US President Donald Trump for his efforts in brokering peace in Gaza. His statement came hours after Hamas agreed to follow parts of Trump’s 20-point peace plan.
“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,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
Key points of Hamas’ acceptance
Hamas has officially responded to US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan, outlining its position on ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Key points of acceptance includes the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and the provision of humanitarian aid as well as support for recovery efforts. At the same time, there is strong opposition to the forced expulsion of Palestinians, emphasising the need to protect civilian populations while seeking a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
In a statement, they said, “Out of keenness to end the aggression and genocide being carried out against our steadfast people in the Gaza Strip, and stemming from national responsibility, and in defense of the constants, rights, and higher interests of our people, the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas has conducted in-depth consultations within its leadership institutions, broad consultations with Palestinian forces and factions, and consultations with brothers, mediators, and friends, in order to reach a responsible position in dealing with US President Donald Trump’s plan.”
Hamas expressed its appreciation for the efforts made by Arab, Islamic, and international mediators, including President Trump. The statement read, “Hamas appreciates the Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, as well as the efforts of the US President Donald Trump, calling for an end to the war on the Gaza Strip, the exchange of prisoners, the immediate entry of aid, the rejection of the occupation of the Strip, and the rejection of the displacement of our Palestinian people from it.”
Hamas said it supports giving control of Gaza to a group of independent Palestinian officials, with backing from Arab and Islamic countries. It added that other important issues, like the future of Gaza and the rights of the Palestinian people, will be discussed as part of a wider national plan, and Hamas will take an active role in these talks. “As for other issues included in President Trump’s proposal concerning the future of the Gaza Strip and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, this is tied to a collective national position and, in accordance with relevant international laws and resolutions, to be discussed within a comprehensive Palestinian national framework, in which Hamas will be included and will contribute with full responsibility,” the statement read.
The agreement came after Trump issued a firm deadline to Hamas, asking them to accept the plan by Sunday, 6 PM (US time), or face “all hell.”
Reactions from the US and International mediators
Earlier, the White House shared Trump’s Truth Social post urging Israel to stop bombing Gaza. “Based on the Statement just issued by Hamas, I believe they are ready for a lasting PEACE. Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the Hostages out safely and quickly… this is about long sought PEACE in the Middle East.”
Trump thanked Qatar, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and other countries for their help in drafting the plan. “This is a big day… maybe unprecedented in many ways,” Trump said in a video message. Qatar and Egypt, who are acting as mediators, confirmed their part to implementing the peace plan.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed hope that the release of Israeli captives and a ceasefire are “within reach.” France pledged to actively support peace efforts alongside the US, Israel, Palestine, and international partners.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed Hamas’ response and called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access to ensure that aid reaches those in need without obstruction.
Israel to reduce Gaza operations ‘to a minimum’
Israel’s military will scale back its operations in Gaza following Hamas’ partial acceptance of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Doron Kadosh, a reporter for Israel’s official military radio station Galatz, tweeted that the Israeli political leadership instructed the IDF to stop the offensive aimed at occupying Gaza. The troops have been told to focus only on defensive operations while remaining alert for any threats.
Israel’s Chief of General Staff held an overnight meeting with top military and intelligence officials, including the Hostage and Missing Persons Headquarters, to assess the situation. The IDF said that troops have been instructed to be ready to implement the first phase of Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which prioritizes the immediate release of hostages. The statement emphasized troop safety while maintaining readiness to respond if necessary.