India Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – India on January 16 welcomed the ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of intense conflict. India expressed hope that the agreement would lead to a “safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance” to Gaza, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing war.

A statement from India’s Foreign Ministry emphasized the country’s calls for the release of all hostages, a ceasefire, and a return to dialogue. The agreement, announced on January 15, 2025, outlines a six-week ceasefire, including the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, in exchange for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The deal also calls for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, with organizations such as the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross preparing to scale up their operations.

However, despite the announcement, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza resumed shortly afterward, killing 32 people late on January 15. Further bombardments were reported on the morning of January 16, targeting various locations across Gaza.

The deal’s final approval is pending from Israel’s security cabinet and government, which is politically divided.