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US Sees Possible Gaza Deal This Week, Sullivan Says

White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP)
White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP)
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US Sees Possible Gaza Deal This Week, Sullivan Says

White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP)
White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP)

The Biden administration sees a possible Gaza truce as soon as this week, White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan told Bloomberg News on Monday, adding that there were no guarantees that the parties would agree to such a deal.

Sullivan, speaking to Bloomberg in an interview, added that US President Joe Biden's administration has been in contact with incoming President Donald Trump's team and has sought to have a united front on the issue ahead of Washington's Jan. 20 transition of power.

"The pressure building here towards the end of President Biden's term has been considerable," Sullivan said. "It's there for the taking."

Biden leaves office next week after Democrats lost the White House in November's election, handing back the US government to Trump and his fellow Republicans, who will control both chambers of Congress.

Envoys of both Biden and Trump attended weekend talks on the potential deal.

"The question is now: Can we all collectively seize the moment and make this happen," Sullivan told Bloomberg, adding that Biden had directed him to work closely with the incoming team.

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Syrian Defense Ministry to Restructure Army with Volunteer Force

The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
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Syrian Defense Ministry to Restructure Army with Volunteer Force

The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)
The Syrian Defense Ministry holds meetings for faction integration. (Defense Ministry)

Syria’s Defense Ministry has been holding meetings with military leaders to integrate factions into its structure. Sources say the ministry is focused on creating a volunteer army, replacing mandatory conscription.

The move follows an agreement between Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra, Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Ali Nour El-Din Al-Naasan, and most Syrian factions to restructure the Ministry of Defense.

Sources told Syria’s Al-Watan newspaper on Monday that officers from the “Free Syrian Army,” who defected from the former regime's military, will have a special status within the Ministry of Defense structure to leverage their expertise.

Syrian media reported that the ministry rejected proposals granting sectarian, religious, or regional privileges to armed factions. It also reached an agreement with National Army factions in northern Syria on joining the military.

The ministry noted that most factions from Sweida were willing to join a national army without regional quotas. However, some factions in Daraa suggested a special regional status for themselves.

Syria’s General Security Directorate announced on Sunday the release of a group of detainees in Homs, central Syria.

A source in the Homs security department said the detainees were released after confirming they did not possess weapons and had promised not to act against the new Syrian administration. They are required to appear when summoned if needed.

The source added that more detainees would be released once the necessary procedures are completed. The General Security Directorate continues efforts to maintain stability in the Homs province.

The Ministry of Interior, working with Syria's military operations, had launched a large-scale operation in Homs to find “war criminals and those involved in crimes” who refused to surrender weapons or attend reconciliation centers.