NEW DELHI: India welcomed the three-phase ceasefire and hostages release agreement between Israel and Hamas, expressing hope that it would lead to a "safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance" to the people of Gaza.
"We welcome the announcement of the agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. We hope this will result in a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
"We have consistently called for the release of all hostages, a ceasefire, and a return to dialogue and diplomacy," MEA added.
The ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas, the group controlling Gaza, was announced on Wednesday after months of mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
The deal follows 15 months of conflict that devastated the Gaza Strip and escalated tensions in many parts of the region. It is expected to come into effect on Sunday if both sides fully approve it.
The agreement includes a six-week initial ceasefire with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, where tens of thousands have lost their lives. Hostages held by Hamas will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
The deal also calls for a significant increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, with the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross preparing to step up their humanitarian aid operations.
The war began after Hamas' cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, during which some 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 others were taken hostage.
Israel responded with a brutal bombing campaign and ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, killing over 46,000 people, mostly women and children, according to Palestinian health officials. The war has also displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population and sparked a humanitarian crisis.