Modi Backs Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

NEW DELHI- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 30 welcomed US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, stating that it provides a pathway to “long-term and sustainable peace” for Palestine and Israel.

Trump formally announced his peace plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza earlier in the day after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

Modi posted, “We welcome President Donald J. Trump’s announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. It provides a viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region.”

He added, “We hope that all concerned will come together behind President Trump’s initiative and support this effort to end conflict and secure peace.” India has consistently advocated for resolving the Israel-Gaza conflict and promoting peace and stability in the region.

While addressing the media along with Netanyahu, Trump said that if Hamas accepts the proposal, the hostages would be released and the war would end. “Now it’s time for Hamas to accept the terms of the plan that we’ve put forward today. I’m hearing Hamas wants to get this done,” Trump said. However, he warned that if Hamas rejects the plan, “Israel would have my full backing to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas.”

Trump’s peace plan for Gaza outlines the establishment of a temporary technocratic government, with Israel pledging not to annex the Strip and ensuring that no residents are forced to leave. The agreement calls for an immediate end to the war if accepted, with all captives, both alive and deceased, to be returned within 72 hours.

The government in Gaza will be overseen by a new international transitional body, the “Board of Peace”, which will be chaired by Trump and include other members, such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for Gaza’s redevelopment until the Palestinian Authority completes a reform programme to take back control.

The plan offers amnesty to Hamas members who commit to peace, while others would be offered safe passage abroad. Security in Gaza will be overseen by regional and international forces, who will also help train the Palestinian Police, while aid would flow in at agreed levels. The US would facilitate further dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians to support long-term coexistence. (IANS)