India has embraced the peace plan announced by US President Donald Trump to stop the long-standing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Prime minister Narendra Modi defined the plan as a practical roadmap to sustainable peace and development, not only between the Israelis and Palestinians, but also in the interest of the West Asian region as a whole.
The proposal, which was made in Washington together with an Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, outlines a 20-point framework, which will see the war in Gaza to come to a sudden cessation. The plan in its essence comprises of termination of hostilities, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of all hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire.
Key Features of the Plan
The plan also starts with the commitment by both parties to freeze military operations. In case of consensus, Hamas would be obligated to hand back all the hostages, dead or alive within three days. In its turn, Israel would free more than 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, including life-term prisoners.
The redevelopment of Gaza into what some are calling New Gaza is one of the most important proposals. With international aid, the enclave, which had been destroyed during years of war, and which is now one of the most crowded regions in the world, would be rebuilt. The vision is a huge economic development project assisted by international professionals that have already planned modern cities of West Asia.
It was proposed that governance of Gaza be temporarily transferred to a new Palestinian and international-expert technocratic, apolitical committee under a new Board of Peace. Other people who would make up this body chaired by Trump include former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Also an International Stabilisation Force, with the support of the US and Arab allies would be deployed to bring order until local governance structures are prepared.
In the proposal, amnesty would also be given to Hamas members who are ready to renounce violence and those who would prefer to leave Gaza would be assured of safe passage. The most important point is that Israel would not take over the territory and permanently occupy it, instead transferring it to the international stabilisation force.
India’s Stance
The India agreement to the plan is quite in line with its long policy of promoting a negotiated two- state solution. New Delhi has time and again underlined the need of dialogue, diplomacy and harmonious co-existence and has urged both parties to invest in direct talks.
Throughout the years, India has been taking a moderate stance, denouncing terrorism, including the attacks of Hamas, but also expressing concern of the civilian deaths in Gaza. This balance is represented in the message given by Modi: he recognizes that civilians are suffering, he agrees with the humanitarian assistance delivery, and he agrees with the initiatives that are able to bring both sides to the negotiating table.
India is a longtime advocate of the Palestinian cause. It was one of the first non-Arabic world countries to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization in 1974 and one of the first to recognize the state of Palestine in 1988. Concurrently, India has gradually increased its relationship with Israel especially in defence, technology and trade.
A Push for Peace
The Trump plan is bold and leaves most things to the negotiators to figure out, particularly since things on the ground are quite complicated. Its success will still depend on the acceptance of Hamas, which is still in question. Nevertheless, to India the proposal is a chance to reassert its role as a player in supporting peace and stability in West Asia and further enhancing relations with both Israel and the Palestinian leadership.
This is potentially a turning point, he said, as Modi termed it, a pathway, a potentially viable one, to the end of a conflict that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands and generations of Palestinians and Israelis yearning to see peace.
Source : Hindustan Times
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