GAZA -- Hamas said on Friday that it is consulting with Palestinian forces and factions regarding the Gaza ceasefire proposal put forward by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
A source from the movement, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the consultations aim to examine the details of the proposal and ensure its compatibility with Palestinian interests ahead of determining a final position. (Hamas-Ceasefire Deal-Consult)
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JERUSALEM -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Friday warned Hamas to accept the Gaza ceasefire deal proposed by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, "or be destroyed."
Witkoff's proposal includes the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 bodies in two phases in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza as well as the release by Israel of 1,236 Palestinian detainees and prisoners, along with the bodies of 180 Palestinians, according to media reports. (Israel-Hamas-Ceasefire Deal)
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DAMASCUS/JERUSALEM -- Israel carried out airstrikes late Friday on multiple military targets in Syria's coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia, including a former special forces headquarters and military positions near civilian areas, according to Syrian state media and a war monitor.
In Tartus, the airstrikes targeted a military facility formerly used by special forces, as well as sites in the al-Wuhaib industrial area and the al-Blata barracks, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor. (Israel-Syria-Airstrikes)
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ANKARA -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that the second round of talks planned in Istanbul on June 2 should have strong delegations to "maintain momentum toward a peaceful resolution."
In a phone call with Zelensky, Erdogan said holding talks at the leadership level following inter-delegation meetings would contribute to the peace process and emphasized the importance of not delaying such discussions. (Türkiye-Ukraine-Peace Talks)
