United Nations, Oct 24 (NationPress) India has praised US President Donald Trump for his significant contribution to the historic Gaza agreement, emphasizing that it has fostered a new wave of peace initiatives in the area.

"The groundbreaking endeavor led by the United States has sparked diplomatic movement towards peace, necessitating that all involved parties fulfill their responsibilities in this context," remarked P. Harish, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, on Thursday.

During a debate at the UN Security Council concerning the Middle East, he expressed, "India wishes to formally acknowledge the role of the United States, and notably President Trump, for being a key player in establishing this agreement."

India took part in the Gaza Peace Summit held at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 13 and expressed support for the historic pact, he noted.

Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to the event, India was represented by External Affairs Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh.

The agreement focuses on a 20-point strategy for peace and rebuilding in Gaza, which Trump orchestrated, persuading both Israel and Hamas to accept the peace terms.

Harish also acknowledged Egypt and Qatar for their pivotal roles as mediators in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas, which helped facilitate the peace agreement.

"India hopes the positive diplomatic progress achieved will lead to sustainable peace in the region," he stated.

"It’s crucial for all parties to support ongoing peace initiatives instead of undermining them," Harish asserted, reiterating New Delhi's stance against any unilateral actions by the involved parties.

"The immediate benefits of recent diplomatic achievements should lay the groundwork for medium- to long-term political commitments and concrete actions towards realizing a Two-State solution, enabling Israel and an independent Palestine to peacefully coexist.

He reaffirmed India's steadfast support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including self-determination, national independence, and sovereignty.

Harish emphasized that an independent Palestine must also be economically sustainable.

He added that initiatives incorporating "economic frameworks and mechanisms" for social development, investment, and job creation are essential.

Estimates suggest that around 80% of homes in Gaza have been devastated due to Israeli assaults.

"Humanitarian aid is crucial in the short term for recovery and rebuilding," Harish remarked, stressing that international assistance is necessary.

India has provided over $170 million in aid to Palestine, including projects worth $40 million currently in the development phase, he noted.

In the past two years, India has delivered 135 metric tons of medical supplies to Palestine, he concluded.