Modi extends India’s support for early implementation of Gaza ceasefire plan in call with Netanyahu

NEW DELHI

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his country’s support Wednesday for the early implementation of the ceasefire plan in the Gaza Strip in a call with his Israeli counterpart, according to a statement.

Modi received a call from Benjamin Netanyahu and they expressed “satisfaction at the continued momentum in India-Israel strategic partnership,” said the Indian prime minister’s office.

It said the two premiers “reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening these ties for mutual benefit.”

They also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. India refers to the Middle East as West Asia.

Modi “reaffirmed India’s support for efforts towards a just and durable peace in the region, including early implementation of the Gaza peace plan,” it added.

A ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on Oct. 10 under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, halting two years of Israeli attacks that have killed more than 70,000 victims, mostly women and children, and injured nearly 171,000 since October 2023.

Phase one of the deal includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The plan also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Gaza’s Government Media Office said at least 386 people have been killed and 980 injured by Israel since the ceasefire was implemented two months ago.