The long and brutal war in <a title="Gaza" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/india-backs-trump-s-gaza-peace-plan/20049" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gaza</a> appears to be edging towards a breakthrough after Hamas indicated its acceptance of key elements in a peace framework advanced by US President Donald Trump. The move has prompted Israel to scale back its offensive operations and prepare for what could be the first genuine truce since the war erupted nearly two years ago.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the US initiative, describing it as a &ldquo;decisive step forward&rdquo; in restoring stability to the war-torn region. In a statement on X, Modi underlined India&rsquo;s support for &ldquo;durable and just peace&rdquo; in Gaza, while pointing to Hamas&rsquo; willingness to release hostages as a significant marker of progress.
<img src="https://ibp-benefits.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/prod/news/uploads/images/1759549562179_Screenshot%25202025-10-04%2520at%252008.54.22.png.png" alt="Screenshot 2025-10-04 at 08.54.22.png" width="532" height="350">
On Friday, Trump declared that Hamas was &ldquo;ready for a lasting PEACE&rdquo; and ordered <a title="Israel" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/israeli-tanks-push-deeper-into-gaza-city/19452" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Israel</a> to halt its bombardment of <a title="Gaza" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/international/gaza-toll-crosses-66-000-amid-famine-crisis/19978" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gaza</a>. Hours earlier, Hamas confirmed it had submitted a formal response to Trump&rsquo;s 20-point plan. The group expressed readiness to release all 48 remaining Israeli hostages &mdash; including the remains of captives who perished &mdash; within 72 hours of a ceasefire taking effect, in exchange for more than 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and Israel&rsquo;s phased withdrawal.
The plan also envisages a transitional authority in Gaza, led by a technocratic body enjoying Arab and Islamic support. Hamas said it was prepared to hand over administrative control to such an entity, though it remained silent on Washington&rsquo;s demand for its complete disarmament. The group stressed it was willing to continue negotiations through mediators to finalise the details.
Israel&rsquo;s response has been cautious but pragmatic. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&rsquo;s office confirmed preparations for &ldquo;immediate implementation&rdquo; of the first stage of Trump&rsquo;s plan, centred on hostage release. Meanwhile, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir instructed the military to suspend the planned takeover of Gaza City and shift focus to defensive operations.
ALSO READ: https://www.benefitnews24.com/opinion/us-walks-away-from-two-state-peace-framework/13500
The conflict, which began with the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault that killed some 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 hostages taken, has since devastated Gaza. According to local health authorities, more than 66,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died under relentless Israeli bombardment. Large parts of Gaza now lie in ruins, with aid blockades fuelling famine-like conditions.
While Trump&rsquo;s announcement has generated cautious optimism, the road ahead is uncertain. Hamas&rsquo; acceptance is partial, and negotiations remain fraught. Any truce will require compromises on both sides, not least over the contentious issues of prisoner swaps and Gaza&rsquo;s political future. For now, though, the shift from bombs to bargaining marks a rare moment of hope in a conflict that has exacted a catastrophic toll.

IDF airstrikes devastate Gaza Strip (image courtesy:  Amnesty International)

Hamas signals hostages-for-prisoners swap as Israel shifts to defensive stance

Gaza truce nears as Hamas bends to US plan

Hamas signals hostages-for-prisoners swap as Israel shifts to defensive stance

October 4, 2025 | 09:22 IST