Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said his government aims to restore ties with the United States in the coming days but has not yet had any contact with the Trump administration, according to an interview with The Economist.Sharaa, declared Syria's interim head of state last week, also noted that US troops were in Syria without government approval, adding that any such presence should be agreed with the state. He described US sanctions still imposed on Syria as "the gravest risk" to the country."I believe that President Trump seeks peace in the area, and it is a top priority to lift the sanctions. The United States of America does not have any interest in maintaining the suffering of the Syrian people," Sharaa said in the interview published late on Monday.Sharaa also said Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham's terrorist designation had "become meaningless" following a decision to dissolve all the armed factions that fought Assad.

Within two weeks after their release from captivity, the five female observers who were held hostage by Hamas have asked to resume their IDF service, Israeli media reported on Tuesday.The jointly-made decision reportedly came as a surprise to their families. However, Israeli media reported that the IDF said it was still too early, and that the girls need to rest and recuperate following their year and three months in captivity.Liri Albag, Daniela Gilboa, Karina Ariev, and Naama Levy were released on January 25, followed by Agam Berger on January 30

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied reports Monday afternoon that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may not want to follow through with the second phase of the ceasefire and hostage deal while answering reporter questions in front of the White House. "I'm not so sure that's true," Leavitt replied to Channel 12's Yuna Leibzon, who asked what President Trump would like to happen. "The ceasefire was extended because of the work of President Trump and his presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, who has proven to be an incredibly effective negotiator," Leavitt added. "The president and this entire administration are committed to having all of the hostages come home and as you've seen his team is working very, very hard to do that."Earlier Monday, Trump told reporters he had "no guarantees" that the Gaza ceasefire will hold.

Hayarkon Street in Tel Aviv has been blocked to traffic near the US Embassy due to a silent protest by "Mishmat 101," a group consisting of mothers and families of hostages, Israeli news reported on Tuesday.

Israel will not oppose the possibility of extending Phase I of the hostage-ceasefire deal, an Israeli source said on Tuesday.This comes after the negotiating team left for Doha to close Phase I and begin negotiations on Phase II.