New Delhi: India has welcomed the agreement for hostage release and a ceasefire in Gaza, aimed at ending the 15-month conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement, “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.”
Hamas and Israel reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza that mediators said would take effect on January 19 and include a release of hostages. The complex phased accord outlines a six-week initial ceasefire with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands have been killed. Hostages taken by Hamas, which controls Gaza, would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
