Israel commits to Gaza peace deal amid efforts to secure hostage releases

Israel remains committed to the Gaza peace deal until all hostages are returned, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in India, Fares Saeb, confirmed on Monday. Speaking on the sidelines of an event, Saeb stated, "We will uphold the deal until all our hostages return—those alive to reunite with their families and those deceased to receive proper funerals."

Saeb acknowledged challenges during negotiations, citing Hamas’s refusal to release a female civilian hostage during the first phase as a breach of the agreement. "Despite this violation, we chose not to terminate the deal as our priority is to bring our people back," he said, adding that Israel halted the movement of Gazans to the north until Hamas adheres fully to the terms.

The diplomat expressed hope for the release of two female hostages—one civilian and one soldier—along with five male civilians in the coming days. Around 90 hostages remain in captivity.

Qatar has announced that Hamas intends to release civilian hostage Arbel Yehoud and two others by Friday, prompting Israel to agree to allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza starting Monday.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, speaking at a Holocaust Remembrance Day event, welcomed the progress in Middle East peace efforts. "The release of hostages and ongoing peace talks offer hope for a lasting resolution to the conflict," he said.

The conflict traces back to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, which left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and around 200 taken hostage. Singh emphasized that terrorism must be confronted and called for global unity against hate and violence, which undermine peace and justice.

Israel’s continued adherence to the peace deal underscores its determination to secure the safe return of its citizens, even as negotiations remain fraught with complexities.