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Hamas says ready to free Israeli-US hostage, four bodies

Hamas said on Friday it was ready to free an Israeli-American hostage and the remains of four others, after the Palestinian militants and Israel resumed indirect Gaza ceasefire negotiations.Israel, however, said Hamas had "not budged" following a proposal from US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Hamas says ready to free Israeli-US hostage, four bodies

Syria FM's Iraq visit focuses on security

Syria's interim foreign minister said in Baghdad on Friday his government was ready to "reinforce cooperation" with Iraq in the fight against remnants of the Islamic State group.Asaad al-Shaibani's visit to Syria's neighbour coincided with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announcing that security forces had killed a senior IS leader.It was also Shaibani's first visit to Iraq since his Islamist alliance toppled Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in December.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Syria FM's Iraq visit focuses on security

Israel PM, security agency fight it out in public

Israel's premier and the head of internal security are engaged in a very public spat over reforms to the agency, accused of failing to prevent the October 7, 2023 attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar of resorting to "blackmail" and "threats" over the proposed reforms.On Thursday, Bar's predecessor Nadav Argaman added oil to the fire in an interview he gave to Israel's privately owned Channel 12 television.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israel PM, security agency fight it out in public

Syrians commemorate uprising anniversary for first time since Assad's fall

Syrians gathered on Saturday to commemorate the 14th anniversary of their uprising with a public demonstration in Damascus for the first time since president Bashar al-Assad was toppled.The rally in Damascus's Umayyad Square was the first in the capital after years of repression under Assad, during which the square was the sole preserve of the ousted president's supporters.Activists called on people to hold similar demonstrations in the major cities of Homs, Idlib and Hama under the slogan "Syria is victorious".
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Syrians commemorate uprising anniversary for first time since Assad's fall