Tue Jan 28 08:02:06 UTC 2025: ## Israel Holds to Gaza Peace Deal, Awaits Hostage Release

**New Delhi, January 28, 2025** – Israel is committed to upholding the Gaza peace deal until all hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack are returned, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, Fares Saeb, stated Monday. The deal, currently in its second phase, has seen some progress, with the anticipated release of several hostages imminent.

Saeb confirmed that Israel views Hamas’ initial failure to release a civilian hostage as a breach of the agreement, but chose to continue negotiations prioritizing the return of all captives. He expressed hope for the release of two female hostages (one civilian, one soldier) and five male civilians in the coming days.

Qatar has announced that Hamas will release at least one civilian hostage, Arbel Yehoud, along with two others before Friday. In response, Israel has resumed allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. Approximately 90 hostages remain in captivity.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, welcomed the progress, expressing hope that the hostage release and ongoing peace talks will lead to a lasting solution. Singh also condemned the October 7th attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of around 200, emphasizing that inaction against such terrorism allows hate and violence to thrive. He further expressed India’s concern over rising global intolerance and xenophobia.

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