'Decisive progress': PM Modi hails Trump's efforts for peace in Gaza, hostage release

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed US President Donald Trump’s peace efforts in Gaza, highlighting that the agreement to release all hostages is a “significant step forward”.

“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 said in a post on X.

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.@realDonaldTrump @POTUS

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 4, 2025

On late Friday, Hamas agreed to release all hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, following which Trump ordered Israel to “immediately” stop the bombardment of Gaza.

Last month, the prime minister said that the US president's 20-point plan was a step towards reaching long-term peace and security for not just Israelis and Palestinians but the region at large.

The Palestinian group has also agreed to surrender governing power in the Gaza Strip, in accordance with Trump’s plan, marking a major moment for Gaza’s future. In a statement over the matter, Hamas asked for further negotiations on other parts of the plan, and did not say whether it would lay down its arms, a key part of Trump’s proposal unveiled on Monday.

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The  latest assertions from Trump underlined that Israel and Hamas are the closest they have been in two years to achieving an end to the Gaza war, which has caused a major humanitarian crisis in the coastal enclave.

What’s the peace plan?

The plan specifies an immediate ceasefire, an exchange of all hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and the introduction of a transitional government led by an international body.

Many elements of the 20 points have been included in numerous ceasefire deals proposed over the last two years, including those accepted and then subsequently rejected at various stages by both Israel and Hamas.

Under the fresh plan, once all hostages are freed, Israel will release 250 prisoners serving life sentences, along with 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023, including all women and children held during that period. Additionally, for each Israeli hostage whose remains are returned, Israel will hand over the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.