GAZA -- Hamas leader Hossam Badran said Tuesday that progress to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement depends on Israel ending its violations.

In a press statement, the Hamas political bureau member stressed that any discussion of the next phase must be preceded by clear international pressure on Israel to fully implement the commitments of the first phase. (Hamas-Israel-Gaza Ceasefire)

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BAGHDAD -- Iraqi authorities have officially removed Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthi group from a list of entities subject to terrorist asset freezes, according to an official document disclosed Tuesday.

The decision, made on Sunday by the Iraqi Committee for Freezing Terrorist Assets, effectively reverses the two groups' initial designation. (Iraq-Hezbollah-Houthis-Asset Freeze Removal)

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RIYADH -- UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg on Tuesday called on all parties to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue, as the Southern Transitional Council's (STC) control of southern and eastern Yemeni provinces escalates tensions with the internationally recognized government.

Grundberg made the remarks during a meeting in Riyadh with Yemeni Foreign Minister Shaya Zindani, Saudi Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Jaber, UAE Ambassador to Yemen Mohammed Al-Zaabi, representatives of the UN Security Council's five permanent members, and other diplomats, the envoy's office said in a statement. (Yemen-United Nations-Rising Tensions)

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DAMASCUS -- Syria has signed nearly 50 agreements and memorandums of understanding with international and regional partners over the past year, the state news agency SANA reported Tuesday.

The agreements, covering infrastructure, energy, health, investment and humanitarian cooperation, were concluded after the establishment of the transitional government in late 2024, SANA reported. (Syria-Transitional Government-Cooperation Agreements) Enditem