Tensions in the Middle East are showing signs of easing 📉 as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that there has been \"progress\" in efforts to secure a ceasefire-for-hostages deal with Hamas. But he also reminded everyone that the timeline for an agreement is still up in the air ⏳.
In a closed meeting with the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar spilled some tea ☕️ about the deal, describing it as a \"phased, gradual framework.\"
Both Israeli and Palestinian media are buzzing 🐝 about the mediation efforts led by Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. mediators. While they're making headway, a breakthrough hasn't happened just yet.
Israel's Diaspora Minister, Amichai Chikli, told Kan Reshet Bet public radio that the parties are closer to a deal than they've been in months. He mentioned that the initial phase is all about humanitarian efforts 🙏, involving a 42-day ceasefire and the release of some hostages.
\"This ceasefire could last six months or 10 years, depending on how things play out,\" Chikli said. Talk about an open-ended plan! 🤷♂️
The length of the ceasefire has been a major sticking point in previous negotiations. Hamas wants the war to end completely ✌️, while Israel insists on removing Hamas' control over Gaza before calling it quits. They're also set on maintaining a military presence even after the ceasefire 🛡️.
Meanwhile, over in Syria 🇸🇾, interim authorities are ramping up their diplomatic game 🎯 with neighboring countries to pave the way for reconstruction support 🏗️. They're eager to rebuild and move forward after years of conflict.
In other news, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed for the first time that Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31 🕯️.
Haniyeh was reportedly killed during his visit to attend former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's funeral. Both Hamas and Iran have pointed fingers at Israel for the assassination 🚨.
The Israeli military is also taking responsibility for the deaths of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in southern Gaza and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in the Dahieh suburb of Beirut. The region's political landscape is definitely shifting 🌍.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes 👀 are on the Middle East to see whether these developments will lead to lasting peace or more challenges ahead.
Reference(s):
'Progress' in Gaza truce talks, Syria seeks reconstruction support
cgtn.com
