Netanyahu, Trump hold phone talks on situation in Gaza, Syria

On December 15 morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President-Elect Donald Trump spoke on the phone about the progress in talks for a deal to release captives held in the Gaza Strip and developments in Syria.

Trump has stated his desire for a ceasefire and hostage release deal before he takes office, saying earlier that there will be "all hell to pay" if they are not back in Israel, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

This comes as Adam Boehler, Trump's advisor on hostages and missing persons, is expected in Israel in the coming days. The 45-year-old envoy is expected to hold meetings concerning a potential agreement on hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

According to the Jewish media, Boehler will meet with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on December 16.

Reports suggest that the terror group has given up its demand for a declaration to end the war and a full Israel Defense Forces withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas has also reportedly agreed to a phased ceasefire and is willing to compromise on the release of high-profile terrorists in Israeli prisons.

His visit comes after a senior Israeli official told the Hebrew news site that “significant progress” has been made in hostage negotiation efforts, suggesting that Hamas could be willing to drop some of its war-long demands to reach an agreement. The official indicated that a deal could be reached within weeks.

The Biden administration has worked for more than a year to push for a deal, although only succeeded in November of 2023 to bring the sides to an understanding for a partial hostage release.

By Khagan Isayev