GAZA -- Hamas has given "positive approval" to the latest U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza, a senior official from the Palestinian militant group said on Saturday, describing it as part of a comprehensive agreement requiring full Israeli compliance.
The Hamas official, who requested anonymity, told Xinhua that the group's written response to international mediators includes specific timelines and implementation details, emphasizing the need for Israeli adherence to all terms, including reconstruction commitments. (Gaza Strip-Hamas-Israel)
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JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Saturday that Israel has accepted an updated U.S.-mediated proposal for a hostage release deal, while accusing Hamas of stalling progress by rejecting the framework.
"Hamas' response is unacceptable and brings the situation backward," the statement read, citing U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff. "Israel will continue its action for the return of our hostages and the defeat of Hamas." (Israel-Hamas-Ceasefire talks)
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DAMASCUS -- Syria's information authorities chief Hamza Al-Mustafa on Friday evening said that indirect negotiations with Israel have begun to address the recurring Israeli strikes in the country.
In a press conference following a cabinet meeting chaired by Syrian interim leader Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Al-Mustafa said that indirect talks between Syria and Israel remain in progress, focusing on the enforcement of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. (Syria-Israel-Governance)
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RIYADH -- Saudi Arabia and Qatar announced on Saturday joint financial support for Syria's public sector employees, as part of their ongoing commitment to advancing Syria's economic recovery, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
The joint financial support would be delivered over a three-month period, the report said, without mentioning the details on the size of the financial support. (Saudi Arabia-Qatar-Syria-Support) ■
