A journalists’ association reported on Friday that two reporters affiliated with Kurdish media were killed amidst the conflict between Syrian Kurdish forces and Turkish-backed fighters in northern Syria. Despite the recent takeover of President Bashar Assad’s regime by jihadist factions, violent encounters continue across various regions in Syria.
In other areas of the country, the transition following the government shift has remained relatively stable, although it has only been less than two weeks since Assad was removed from power. The nation, characterized by its diverse religious sects, has seen rising anxieties among minority groups such as Christians, who express concerns about their security and rights under the leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaida affiliate.
In recent news, Israeli settlers set ablaze a mosque in the northern West Bank, marking yet another violent incident targeting Palestinian communities. In the village of Marda, local authorities reported that settlers vandalized the mosque and defaced nearby property. This incident reflects a significant increase in hostility from Jewish settlers coinciding with the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Rights organizations have noted that the Israeli military often overlooks such aggressive acts.
According to Nasfat al-Khafash, the leader of Marda’s village council, the attack occurred early in the morning when a group of settlers set the mosque on fire and covered it with offensive graffiti. Video evidence revealed symbols like spray-painted stars of David alongside phrases in Hebrew alluding to the aspirations of ultra-nationalists to erect a Third Temple in Jerusalem, a foundational site of intense dispute.
Al-Khafash condemned these acts as a reflection of deep-seated animosity towards Palestinians and Arabs, suggesting such incidents are supported by the administration of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, known as the most right-leaning government in Israel’s history. Israeli police and security agencies announced they would investigate the incident, emphasizing their commitment to holding the perpetrators accountable.
Meanwhile, the United Nations’ humanitarian office reported that assaults by settlers on Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season surged dramatically in 2024, at least tripling in comparison to previous years. In geographical terms, over 700,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank and east Jerusalem hold Israeli citizenship, while approximately 3 million Palestinians reside under Israeli military governance.
On another front, the U.S. military confirmed it conducted airstrikes in northeastern Syria, targeting an Islamic State leader and another militant, according to U.S. Central Command. These operations aimed to preempt IS attempts to exploit the ongoing instability in the region, which includes a complex situation concerning over 8,000 IS detainees held by U.S.-backed Kurdish forces.
The Health Ministry in Gaza reported a grim toll on Friday, stating 77 individuals lost their lives in just 24 hours due to the relentless conflict. The casualties include children, and many others were injured and received treatment in local hospitals. Earlier airstrikes were particularly devastating, hitting a school sheltering displaced persons and affecting refugee camps.
In Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hinted that Turkey might take action against Kurdish groups in northern Syria, claiming they pose security threats. His comments came amid intense clashes between Turkish forces and Kurdish-led groups, further heightening regional tensions. Erdogan pledged to act decisively against what he termed “terrorist organizations” in Syria, which he believes threaten Turkey’s southern borders.
In a historical context, the U.S. has not sent diplomats to Syria since the embassy closure in 2012, but a recent visit by a U.S. delegation signals a change in approach. The delegation included notable officials there to discuss various pressing issues with Syria’s interim leaders, including the case of missing American journalist Austin Tice.
Additionally, it was reported that two Kurdish journalists were tragically killed in northern Syria. The Dicle-Firat Journalists Association confirmed that Nazim Dastan and Cihan Bilgin lost their lives on Thursday when their vehicle was struck, allegedly by a Turkish drone near the Tishrin Dam amidst ongoing clashes in the area.
Furthermore, the head of the U.N. migration agency cautioned that mass returns of Syrian refugees could overwhelm the country, which has already suffered significant displacement since the civil war began in 2011. Acknowledging the recent changes in governmental authority, she stressed the need for careful considerations before encouraging large-scale repatriations at this time.
Finally, Sweden announced it would withdraw its core funding for the U.N. agency assisting Palestinian refugees, redirecting support to other nonprofits amidst growing complications around the UNRWA’s operational mandate following Israeli legislative changes. The Swedish government aims to ensure that aid reaches its intended recipients effectively.