India, Jan. 16 -- India on Thursday welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas on the release of hostages and ceasefire in Gaza. The ministry of external affairs said India hoped that this would lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

"We welcome the announcement of the agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. We hope this will lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza," the MEA statement read.

According to the prime minister of Qatar, the ceasefire in Gaza will take effect from Sunday, with the phased release of 33 Israeli captives. US President Joe Biden mentioned that the truce would unfold in a phased manner.

The conf...