NEW DELHI: India on Thursday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, expressing hope that it would pave the way for humanitarian relief and a peaceful resolution to ongoing hostilities.
The ministry of external affairs in a statement, said, “We welcome the announcement of the agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. We hope this will lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. We have consistently called for release of all hostages, ceasefire, and return to a path of dialogue and diplomacy.”
The ceasefire deal, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is set to take effect on January 19 and represents a significant development in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The agreement outlines a three-phase framework aimed at achieving “sustainable calm,” including the exchange of hostages and prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas, and the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Also Read: Israel Hamas CeasefireThis agreement follows weeks of devastating violence that began with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, which killed around 1,200 Israelis. Retaliatory strikes by Israel have since resulted in over 46,000 deaths in Gaza, including thousands of women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities. The Israeli military claims it has killed 17,000 Hamas fighters in its operations.
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