3-Stage Deal Awaits Israel, Hamas Response

Part of the protests organized in Tel Aviv on Monday by the families of Israeli detainees held by "Hamas" in Gaza (Reuters)
Part of the protests organized in Tel Aviv on Monday by the families of Israeli detainees held by "Hamas" in Gaza (Reuters)
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3-Stage Deal Awaits Israel, Hamas Response

Part of the protests organized in Tel Aviv on Monday by the families of Israeli detainees held by "Hamas" in Gaza (Reuters)
Part of the protests organized in Tel Aviv on Monday by the families of Israeli detainees held by "Hamas" in Gaza (Reuters)

Mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt are close to finalizing a framework for a Gaza prisoner exchange deal, aiming to bring an end to the conflict. Israel has given partial approval but raised objections.

The Palestinian Hamas group is expected to respond in the next two days.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during his Washington visit, mentioned positive developments in talks for a deal, with sources revealing Israel’s agreement to the proposal discussed in a Paris meeting on Sunday.

The three-stage agreement includes a gradual ceasefire in Gaza, aid delivery, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Negotiators from Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar agreed on a framework for releasing remaining US and Israeli hostages, starting with women and children.

While Israel began discussions on Monday, Hamas has not yet received the deal.

Hamas leader Osama Hamdan criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not being serious about reaching a settlement.

Hamdan emphasized Hamas wants an end to the war, not just a temporary truce.

In the first phase of the potential deal, 35-40 captives, including women and children, could be released, and Israel would pause attacks for 45 days, freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Subsequent phases involve releasing soldiers, reservists, and others, accompanied by an extended ceasefire.

US pressure has increased, hoping the deal leads to a lasting ceasefire.



Lebanon Returns 70 Officers and Soldiers to Syria, Security Official Says

A member of the security forces of the newly formed Syrian government inspects vehicles at a security checkpoint on the Syrian border with Lebanon, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. (AP)
A member of the security forces of the newly formed Syrian government inspects vehicles at a security checkpoint on the Syrian border with Lebanon, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. (AP)
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Lebanon Returns 70 Officers and Soldiers to Syria, Security Official Says

A member of the security forces of the newly formed Syrian government inspects vehicles at a security checkpoint on the Syrian border with Lebanon, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. (AP)
A member of the security forces of the newly formed Syrian government inspects vehicles at a security checkpoint on the Syrian border with Lebanon, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. (AP)

Lebanon expelled around 70 Syrian officers and soldiers on Saturday, returning them to Syria after they crossed into the country illegally via informal routes, a Lebanese security official and a war monitor said.

Many senior Syrian officials and people close to the former ruling family of Bashar al-Assad fled the country to neighboring Lebanon after Assad's regime was toppled on Dec 8.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a London-based organization with sources in Syria, and the Lebanese security official said Syrian military personnel of various ranks had been sent back via Lebanon's northern Arida crossing.

SOHR and the security official said the returnees were detained by Syria's new ruling authorities after crossing the border.

The new administration has been undertaking a major security crackdown in recent days on what they say are "remnants" of the Assad regime.

Several of the cities and towns concerned, including in Homs and Tartous provinces, are near the porous border with Lebanon.

The Lebanese security official said the Syrian officers and soldiers were found in a truck in the northern coastal city of Jbeil after an inspection by local officials.

Lebanese and Syrian government officials did not immediately respond to written requests for comment on the incident.

Reuters reported on Friday that Rifaat al-Assad, an uncle of Assad charged in Switzerland with war crimes over the bloody suppression of a revolt in 1982, had flown out of Beirut recently, as had "many members" of the Assad family.

Earlier this month, Lebanese caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said top Assad adviser Bouthaina Shaaban had flown out of Beirut after entering Lebanon legally.

In an interview with Al Arabiya, Mawlawi said other Syrian officials had entered Lebanon illegally and were being pursued.