Tensions in the Middle East have eased somewhat as Israel signals progress in Gaza truce talks, while Syria's interim authorities increase diplomatic efforts with neighboring countries to facilitate reconstruction.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that "there has been progress" in efforts to secure a ceasefire-for-hostages deal with Hamas, though he cautioned that the timeline for an agreement remains uncertain.

Earlier, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar outlined parts of the deal during a closed meeting of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, describing it as "a phased, gradual framework."

Israeli and Palestinian media reported that efforts led by Qatari, Egyptian and U.S. mediators have shown progress, though a breakthrough remains elusive.

Israel's Diaspora Minister, Amichai Chikli, told Kan Reshet Bet public radio that the sides are closer to a deal than in recent months. He described the initial phase as "a humanitarian phase," involving a 42-day ceasefire and the release of some hostages.

"This ceasefire could last six months or 10 years, depending on the dynamics that develop on the ground," Chikli said.

The length of the ceasefire has been a key sticking point in previous failed negotiation attempts. Hamas seeks to end the war entirely, while Israel insists on removing Hamas' control over Gaza before any resolution, maintaining a military presence in the Palestinian enclave even after the ceasefire.

In related news, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed for the first time that Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.

Haniyeh was killed during a visit to attend former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's funeral. Both Hamas and Iran have accused Israel of carrying out the assassination.

The Israeli military has also claimed responsibility for the deaths of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in southern Gaza and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahieh.

While a ceasefire in Gaza appears possible, Syria's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader, Ahmad al-Shara, has welcomed envoys from the Middle East and beyond in recent days to discuss future cooperation.

On Monday, visiting Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi expressed his country's support for Syria's reconstruction during a meeting with Sharaa, marking the first trip by a senior Jordanian official to Syria since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.

Jordan's official Al-Mamlaka TV reported that Safadi discussed avenues of cooperation, including trade, border management, aid, electricity connections and security.

Safadi expressed support for "a government that represents all spectrums in Syria," as well as for "the drafting of a new constitution," according to Al-Mamlaka.

"We agree to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their state," he was quoted as saying, adding that "the Arab countries agree to support Syria at this stage without any external interference".

Also in Damascus on Monday was Qatar's minister of state at the foreign ministry, Mohammed al-Khulaifi, leading the "first high-level Qatari delegation" to Damascus "after 13 years of diplomatic rupture", his ministry said.

"This visit reaffirms the strong fraternal ties" between Qatar and Syria, and underscored Doha's "unwavering commitment to supporting and assisting the Syrian people in their quest for progress, while preserving Syria's sovereignty", the foreign ministry statement added.

"The Qatari side expressed its inclination to launch vast investments in Syria in various fields, especially the energy sector," Sharaa told reporters after the meeting.

Khulaifi said Syria and its people "need support in this important stage, which calls for concerted effort from all, notably concerning the lifting of sanctions and future development projects."

(With input from agencies)