Israeli airstrikes in the central Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals, as confirmed by Palestinian medical sources on Monday. Alongside these actions, Israel also targeted suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range weapon facilities in Syria, aiming to deny them to rebels who have taken control of parts of the country.
The U.N. Security Council convened emergency closed discussions regarding Syria, following a request from Russia, which announced that it has granted asylum to Syrian President Bashar Assad. Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin made the decision regarding Assad’s asylum but provided no specifics about the Syrian leader’s location or any planned meetings.
Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict, more than 44,500 Palestinians have reportedly died, according to local health authorities. The majority of casualties are believed to be women and children, though there is no differentiation made between combatants and civilians. The current conflict ignited when Hamas militants launched an assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 hostages, including elderly individuals and children. Currently, it is estimated that about 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least one-third presumed dead.
In the latest updates from the U.N. Security Council, it appears that there is a consensus on the necessity to uphold Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while providing humanitarian support to those in need due to the recent upheaval. The unexpected advancements by rebel forces have prompted discussions about the fluid situation in Syria, with calls for a cohesive statement on the matter from the council expected in the coming days.
U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood emphasized his country’s commitment to ensuring that any new government in Syria respects human rights, as well as the need to avert risks associated with the ongoing transition. Syria’s U.N. ambassador echoed these sentiments, affirming that the Syrian diplomatic missions will maintain their operations during this transitional phase and strive toward rebuilding the nation.
Wood stated that while there is considerable uncertainty regarding the political landscape, the U.S. does not presently have specific plans to review the Foreign Terrorist Organization designation of the main Syrian rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). While the designation imposes certain restrictions, it does not preclude communication between U.S. officials and members of the group.
In a separate conversation, U.S. President Joe Biden and Jordan’s King Abdullah II discussed developments in Syria, particularly with regard to preventing terrorist organizations from taking advantage of the situation. The discussions also covered recent airstrikes targeted at ISIS leaders and efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and a hostage deal in Gaza.
Reports surfaced regarding over 100 Israeli airstrikes targeting military installations across four Syrian cities, resulting in two fatalities and significant damage to military infrastructure. The assaults principally aimed at research facilities and weapons warehouses, disrupting air defense systems in multiple locations.
Additionally, the U.S. has dispatched its special envoy for hostage affairs to Beirut to gather information regarding the whereabouts of journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in Syria over a decade ago. The Biden administration expressed its commitment to bring Tice home, maintaining that they believe he is still alive.
With the ongoing changes in Syria, Israeli authorities have raised concerns regarding the security implications, prompting them to implement measures aimed at countering perceived threats to their citizens. Meanwhile, the U.N reported violations of a 1974 ceasefire agreement pertaining to Israeli military movements in a demilitarized zone between Israel and Syria.
As discussions of rebuilding and stabilization continue, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres engaged with leaders from Turkey and Qatar about fortifying inclusive governance in Syria and addressing the humanitarian needs resulting from the recent violence.
Reports indicate a swift influx of refugees seeking to return to Syria following the downfall of Assad’s regime, as Turkish officials prepare measures to accommodate these returnees amid growing concerns of a potential refugee crisis.
The rebel leadership has conducted a meeting with the new prime minister to deliberate on the pathway forward for Syria’s political transition, reiterating the need to retain valuable experiences while distancing from the past regime’s practices.
Britain has halted decisions on Syrian asylum applications while evaluating the political turmoil, and discussions regarding the HTS terrorist designation have emerged, highlighting the government’s cautious stance amid evolving conditions in Syria.
Amidst these meetings and developments, the U.S. deputy ambassador outlined the country’s major priorities in Syria, which include the protection of American personnel, safeguarding U.S. allies, and preventing humanitarian disasters. The situation remains dynamic following the ousting of Assad, and efforts to ensure safe communications with various factions will continue as newer actors emerge in the region.
Overall, the complex interplay of military, humanitarian, and diplomatic aspects defines a significant period in Syrian history, reflecting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the ongoing transitions and the quest for stability in the region.
