India welcomes Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, calls for sustained humanitarian assistance in Gaza

Supporters of Israeli hostages, who were kidnapped during the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas, react to news on the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, during a protest to demand a deal to bring every hostage home, in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 15, 2025.
| Photo Credit: Reuters

India welcomes the ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (January 16, 2025). The MEA also ‘hoped’ the agreement would lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

In a communique, the MEA said, “We welcome the announcement of the agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. We hope this will lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. We have consistently called for release of all hostages, ceasefire, and return to a path of dialogue and diplomacy.”

Follow Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal LIVE updates on January 16

Qatar and the United States announced on Wednesday a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas, adding that they hoped it would pave the way for a permanent end to the war in Gaza.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani told a press conference Wednesday that the “two belligerents in the Gaza Strip have reached a deal”, adding that the ceasefire between them would take effect on Sunday.

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Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, meanwhile, said he was “deeply satisfied this day has come”, calling the negotiations some of the “toughest” of his career.

Hamas said the ceasefire was the “result of the legendary steadfastness of our great Palestinian people and our valiant resistance in the Gaza Strip”.