Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas appear closer than ever to reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, alongside a potential deal on prisoner swaps, according to mediators cited by the Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar.

The report, published in a newspaper closely aligned with Hezbollah, signals growing momentum towards a truce. Over the past week, diplomatic efforts have intensified. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, while Israeli delegations also engaged with officials in Egypt, and Qatar.

A separate report in the Israeli press quoted an unnamed Israeli official suggesting that an agreement could be finalized by 25 December.

According to an Egyptian security source, a recent stalemate in the talks resulted from attempts to expand the scope of the agreement. The primary goals include securing the release of additional prisoners and ensuring a longer ceasefire. Disagreements reportedly persist between Israel and Egypt over the future management of the Rafah border crossing.

The proposed ceasefire is based on an Egyptian peace plan aimed at creating a “Gaza without Hamas”. Key aspects of the plan include an initial ceasefire of one to two months, a gradual release of hostages without military pressure, and a reopening under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority and Egypt.

Israel would retain veto power over individuals crossing into Egypt. Egypt would ensure that Hamas does not control the border or Gaza in the immediate future.

Reportedly, Hamas has agreed to the plan on the condition that Gaza’s administration is handed over to a committee of local Palestinians.

Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to securing the return of all Israeli prisoners held in Gaza. In a written statement, Netanyahu also addressed developments in Syria, Lebanon, and conflicts with Iran, and Hezbollah.

Netanyahu remarked, “The face of the Middle East has changed,” adding that Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran are fundamentally different compared to a year ago. While emphasizing ongoing challenges posed by Iran and its proxies, he noted that Israel would base its policy toward Syria on “realities on the ground.”

Netanyahu also highlighted a meeting with Donald Trump, newly elected as the 47th President of the United States, describing it as “very friendly, warm, and important.”

The United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has held a significant meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group classified by the UN as a terrorist organization.

During the meeting, Mr. Pedersen emphasized the importance of establishing a credible justice system, stating, “We need to ensure that we do not see any acts of revenge.”

Sharaa, in response, advocated for revising UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2254 to reflect the current realities in Syria. He underscored the necessity of rapid and effective cooperation to address the pressing needs of Syrians while stressing Syria’s territorial integrity, reconstruction, and economic development. Sharaa also called for a favorable environment to facilitate the safe return of refugees and urged for both economic and political support to ensure the success of these processes. He cautioned that such measures should be implemented cautiously, under the supervision of expert teams, and without undue haste.

Adopted in December 2015, UNSC Resolution 2254 outlines a roadmap for political transition in Syria. The resolution envisages the establishment of a transitional administration following negotiations between opposition and regime representatives. These negotiations are to conclude within six months, leading to a transitional government tasked with drafting a new constitution within 12 months and conducting free and fair elections thereafter.

A Qatari delegation visited Syria on Sunday and met with officials of the interim government. Qatar reaffirmed its “full commitment to support the Syrian people” and announced the reopening of its embassy in Damascus after a 13-year closure. Unlike other Arab states, Qatar has refrained from normalizing relations with the Assad regime.

Türkiye reopened its embassy in Damascus on Saturday, marking a notable shift in regional dynamics.

Despite recognizing HTS as a terrorist organization, both the UK and the U.S. have confirmed recent contacts with the group. Additionally, French Acting Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot revealed plans for a French diplomatic team to visit Damascus on Tuesday. The mission aims to recover French real estate, establish preliminary contacts with the new authorities, and assess the immediate humanitarian needs in Syria.

Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced a high-level EU diplomatic mission to Damascus. Foreign ministers will deliberate on the bloc’s evolving relationship with Syria’s new leadership.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently revealed that the United States has been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. HTS leads the coalition controlling significant regions in Syria.

Speaking at a press conference in Aqaba, Jordan—where he attended a meeting of foreign ministers to discuss developments in Syria—Blinken outlined principles agreed upon by the U.S. and regional powers. These principles aim to guide Syria’s interim leaders in exchange for “support and recognition” of a future Syrian government.

Blinken emphasized the need for an inclusive and representative transitional government, respect for the rights of minorities and women, elimination of terrorist groups, destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles, and good relations with neighboring countries.

He also highlighted the urgency of locating Austin Tice, a U.S. journalist detained in 2012 under the Bashar al-Assad regime, calling on all parties involved to aid in bringing Tice home.

Turkish mediation between Biden and HTS

Last week, The Telegraph, a British conservative newspaper, reported that HTS assured U.S. President Joe Biden—via Turkish intermediaries—that it had no intention of collaborating with ISIS.

The New York Times (NYT) also reported discussions within the Biden administration regarding the extent of engagement with the HTS-led movement, given concerns about potential ISIS affiliations.

In a televised address, President Biden highlighted the “terrible records of terrorism and human rights abuses” associated with certain groups. Discussions reportedly included the possibility of lifting the $10 million U.S. bounty on HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani.

UK announces diplomatic contact with HTS

The UK government has also confirmed contact with HTS. Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced £50 million in humanitarian aid for Syria, acknowledging diplomatic communications with the group. Lammy clarified that while HTS remains a banned terrorist organization, the UK deemed limited engagement necessary.

He emphasized key objectives that securing chemical weapons stockpiles, preventing further violence, and establishing inclusive governance in Syria.

Lammy noted that a portion of the aid would support chemical weapons inspectors in Syria. He stated, “For all these reasons, we are trying to engage with HTS where necessary, using diplomatic and intelligence-based channels.”

Meanwhile, HTS leader al-Jolani disclosed in a Syrian TV interview that he is in talks with Britain regarding reopening its representative office in Damascus.

European responses: Berlin and Paris

The European Union has issued a joint statement advocating for a peaceful, Syrian-led transition of power.

Germany signaled cautious engagement, emphasizing that HTS will be judged based on its treatment of Syrian minorities. A foreign ministry spokesperson noted HTS’s attempts to distance itself from its jihadist origins by building civilian structures. However, German officials reiterated their commitment to prosecuting war crimes and human rights violations by Assad regime officials.

France announced plans to send a diplomatic mission to Syria, marking the first Western initiative to engage with HTS directly. French representatives aim to assess the feasibility of lifting sanctions and initiating humanitarian support.