India, Oct. 13 -- India on Monday welcomed the release of all surviving Israeli hostages held by Hamas under a US-backed peace plan, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing the "unwavering peace efforts" of President Donal Trump.

Hamas freed all 20 living hostages who were being held in the Gaza Strip, while the release of some 2,000 Palestinian prisoners by Israel was underway as part of the conditions of a ceasefire that is part of the first phase of the peace deal.

"We welcome the release of all hostages after over two years of captivity. Their freedom stands as a tribute to the courage of their families, the unwavering peace efforts of President Trump and the strong resolve of Prime Minister Netanyahu," Modi said in a social media...