
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the release of the remaining 20 Israeli hostages from Gaza after more than two years in captivity by Hamas. In a statement posted on X, Modi praised the “unwavering” peace efforts of US President Donald Trump and commended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “strong resolve” in securing their freedom.
“We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity. Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump, and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu. We support President Trump’s sincere efforts to bring peace to the region,” Modi said.
Hamas freed the final hostages on October 13, potentially marking the end of the Gaza conflict that began with the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. That assault killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza.
Addressing the Israeli Parliament, Trump said the recently concluded Gaza agreement between Hamas and Israel came at a crucial moment, as military operations were becoming “bad and heated.” He recalled telling Netanyahu that he would be remembered more for ending the fighting than for prolonging it. “I just want to congratulate you for having the courage to say, ‘that’s it, we’ve won and now let’s enjoy our lives,’” Trump said.