The Indian Foreign Ministry stated that it has long advocated for the release of all hostages, a ceasefire, and a return to diplomatic dialogue.
“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 MEA statement read.
The ceasefire agreement, which followed months of mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, provides for a six-week ceasefire, with Israeli forces gradually withdrawing from Gaza, where tens of thousands have died. In return, hostages held by Hamas will be released, and Palestinian prisoners in Israel will be freed.
The deal also includes provisions to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, with both the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross preparing to scale up their operations in the region.
