NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace initiative for Gaza, describing it as a “significant step” towards resolving the ongoing conflict. In a post shared on X, PM Modi stated, “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.”
PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to supporting efforts that lead to “a durable and just peace.” His remarks coincided with President Trump advocating for a breakthrough in the Gaza crisis, particularly focusing on the potential release of hostages and renewed dialogues between conflicting parties.
On Friday, Trump issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding an agreement for a Gaza peace deal with Israel by Sunday at 6 p.m. (Washington D.C. time), threatening severe repercussions should Hamas fail to comply. In a post on Truth Social, Trump proclaimed, “An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, DC time. Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”
Additionally, Trump urged Palestinians to evacuate conflict zones, hinting at intensified military actions should Hamas reject the deal. These developments followed Trump’s announcement of a 20-point peace plan for Gaza, which was discussed at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Regarding the 20-point plan, Trump indicated that Middle Eastern nations had come together in agreement for peace “after 3000 years,” assuring that it would “spare the lives of remaining Hamas fighters.” Trump emphasized, “Great, powerful, and very rich Nations of the Middle East, and the surrounding areas beyond, together with the United States of America, have agreed, with Israel signing on, to PEACE… The violence and bloodshed will stop. RELEASES THE HOSTAGES, ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING THE BODIES OF THOSE THAT ARE DEAD, NOW!”
In response, Hamas stated it would agree to release all Israeli prisoners, both living and deceased, depending on the terms being met for the exchanges.
Trump’s 20-Point Gaza Peace Plan:
- Gaza will be transformed into a demilitarized, terror-free zone with no threats to its neighbors.
- The region will undergo redevelopment to improve living conditions for Gazans.
- Should both parties agree, hostilities will cease immediately, and Israeli forces will withdraw while preparing for the release of hostages.
- Within 72 hours of Israel’s approval, all hostages—alive or deceased—will be returned.
- Following the release of hostages, Israel will free 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023, including women and children. For each deceased Israeli hostage, Israel will return 15 Gazan remains.
- Hamas members who disarm and commit to peace will receive amnesty, while others may leave Gaza with safe passage.
- Humanitarian aid will flow into Gaza immediately, covering infrastructure repair, hospitals, bakeries, and rubble clearance.
- Aid deliveries will be managed by the UN, Red Crescent, and neutral international agencies, with Rafah crossing opened under agreed terms.
- A technocratic Palestinian committee will temporarily govern Gaza, supervised by a new international “Board of Peace” chaired by Trump, until the Palestinian Authority can assume control.
- An economic development plan will be initiated to rebuild Gaza, involving global experts and attracting investments to create jobs.
- A special economic zone with preferential trade terms will be established for Gaza.
- No one will be compelled to leave Gaza; individuals may leave or return freely, with incentives to stay and rebuild.
- Governance will exclude Hamas and other factions. Gaza will be fully demilitarized, with weapons destroyed under international supervision and buyback initiatives.
- Regional partners will ensure compliance by Hamas and other groups to maintain a threat-free Gaza.
- A temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF), supported by Arab and global partners, will be deployed in Gaza to train Palestinian police and secure borders with Egypt and Israel.
- Israel will not annex Gaza. As security improves, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will gradually withdraw, transferring control to the ISF while maintaining a limited security perimeter.
- Should Hamas reject or delay the plan, aid and redevelopment will continue in areas managed by the ISF and free from terrorism.
- An interfaith dialogue initiative will foster tolerance, coexistence, and peace narratives among Israelis and Palestinians.
- Once Gaza is rebuilt and the Palestinian Authority is reformed, conditions may permit progression toward Palestinian self-determination and potential statehood.
- The U.S. will facilitate Israel-Palestine negotiations to establish a long-term framework for peaceful coexistence and prosperity.
