Talks for a two-month truce in Gaza appear to have stalled, with disagreements over aid distribution and unresolved questions about a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Syrian government forces have started withdrawing from the southern province of Sweida following days of vicious clashes with militias from the Druze minority.

Syria says it is withdrawing troops from a flashpoint southern city after days of deadly clashes with an Arab minority group that triggered military action from Israel.

Hundreds of Druze from Israel pushed across the border in solidarity with their Syrian cousins they feared were under attack. Many then met relatives they had never seen before.

Following an airstrike against the only Catholic Church in Gaza, which left at least two dead on July 17, Pope Leo XIV issued a call for an immediate ceasefire.

Day 650 of the Israel-Hamas war: Israel has reportedly given up on the Morag Corridor in the southern Gaza Strip as part of a withdrawal in a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas. According to Israeli media, Jerusalem has softened its stance and made concessions.

On Wednesday, state media declared the army’s withdrawal marked the end of operations against “outlaw groups.” A ten‑point cease‑fire agreement was read on national television by Sheikh Youssef Jarboua, one of Syria’s top Druze clerics.

The post Israel walks back demands regarding Gaza withdrawal, creating opening for deal within days — sources appeared first on The Times of Israel.