• Source:JND
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday was quick to back US President Donald Trump’s latest push to end the Israel-Hamas war. PM Modi referred to the indications of the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas and said it marks a significant step forward in efforts to restore peace in the region. He said on X, "India will continue to strongly support all efforts towards a durable and just peace."

“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 wrote on X.

Trump ordered Israel to stop bombing Gaza

Trump has ordered Israel to stop bombing the Gaza Strip after Hamas said it had accepted some elements of his plan to end the nearly two-year war and return all the remaining hostages taken in the October 7, 2023, attack. Hamas said it was willing to release the hostages and hand over power to other Palestinians, but that other aspects of the plan require further consultations among Palestinians. 

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What happened so far

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel was preparing for an "immediate implementation" of the first stage of Trump's Gaza plan for the release of Israeli hostages following Hamas' response. Shortly after, Israeli media reported that the country's political echelon had instructed the military to reduce offensive activity in Gaza. 

ALSO READ: 'Will Not Agree....': Netanyahu Rejects Palestinian Statehood As Trump Unveils Gaza Peace Plan; Hamas Weighs Its Response

Israel began its offensive in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel in which some 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken as hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Israel says 48 hostages remain, 20 of whom are alive. Israel's military campaign has killed more than 66,000 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to Gaza health authorities. Its assault has destroyed much of the strip while aid restrictions have triggered a famine in parts of Gaza, with conditions dire across the enclave. 

(With inputs from agencies)