Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Plan

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a ceasefire proposal based on US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan. This includes:

• Immediate ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal to agreed lines.
• Release of all hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees.
• Exclusion of Hamas from governance and initiation of a demilitarization process.
• International investment in water, energy, health, infrastructure, and economic development.

The plan has received cautious support from the Palestinian Authority (PA), the EU, and Arab states like Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, despite concerns about Israel's withdrawal timeline.

Stakeholders' Positions

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the plan despite criticism from right-wing coalition members.
• Hamas shows willingness to talk but has reservations about disarmament.
• India, led by PM Narendra Modi, welcomes the plan, describing it as "decisive progress."

India's Historical Role and Current Stance

India's position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is cautious, balancing condemnation of terrorism with strategic interests. Historically, India has:

• Supported Palestinian rights and provided financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
• Contributed to UN peacekeeping operations during Arab-Israeli conflicts.
• Been one of the first non-Arab states to recognize the Palestinian state in 1988.

India's ties with Israel began in 1992, participating in peace processes and providing aid and training to the PA while developing strategic ties with Israel.

Economic and Strategic Interests

India's relations with the GCC have evolved, especially after the Abraham Accords and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project in 2023. India aims to align its positions with GCC states.

Potential Role for India

India could play a significant role in the Gaza plan's implementation, ensuring:

• Palestinian sovereignty.
• Humanitarian relief and protection guarantees for Palestinians in Gaza.
• Adherence to international humanitarian laws.

Discussion is needed on Indian workers' involvement in reconstruction projects, ensuring recruitment does not impact Israel-Palestine reconciliation negatively.

Contributors: Blarel, assistant professor at Leiden University, and Ganguly, senior fellow at Stanford University.