New Delhi, Sep 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed US President Donald Trump’s plan to end the ongoing Gaza conflict, describing it as a viable pathway to sustainable peace, security, and development for both Palestinians and Israelis, as well as for the broader West Asian region.
Modi expressed hope that “all concerned” would support Trump’s initiative to bring an end to the hostilities and secure lasting peace. The peace plan, unveiled after talks between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, proposes an immediate cessation of the war in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the demilitarisation of the Strip.
“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,” Modi said in a post on X.
Under the proposal, Gaza would be redeveloped as a “deradicalised, terror-free zone,” with Israeli forces withdrawing to an agreed line and hostages being released. The plan also envisions the formation of a temporary governing board headed by Trump, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as a member.
The announcement comes in the wake of the deadly October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israeli cities, which claimed around 1,200 lives and left over 250 hostages, while subsequent Israeli operations in Gaza have killed more than 66,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Gaza continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis, with malnutrition reaching “alarming levels,” the World Health Organization reported.
Several nations, including eight Muslim-majority countries, the Palestinian Authority, China, and multiple European states, have welcomed Trump’s peace plan. Hamas has not yet issued a response.
At a media briefing, Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar noted that the plan allows countries like India to contribute to reconstruction efforts in Gaza, welcoming Modi’s supportive statement. “India has been playing a positive role in supporting peace in our region. India has a lot to bring to the plate when it comes to economic activities,” Azar said.
The peace plan stipulates that, if accepted by both sides, all hostilities will cease immediately, prisoners will be released, and Israel’s military operations will be suspended until conditions for full withdrawal are met.
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