After 14 years of civil war, Syria is exploring the possibility of normalizing ties with Israel, facilitated by the UAE and supported by U.S. mediation. Talks have reached an advanced stage, focusing on a security agreement similar to the 1974 ceasefire. Key conditions include the removal of Turkish and Iranian-backed forces from Syria and demilitarization of southern regions. Despite deep-rooted hostility, both sides see potential for peace, though challenges remain, particularly over Israel’s control of the Golan Heights.

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Syria has welcomed recent promises by Syrian authorities to protect the rights of minorities, calling the move “encouraging.” However, the Commission also reported continued violence against the Alawite community.

Paulo Pinheiro, Chair of the UN Commission, stated that the Syrian government has granted investigators “unrestricted access” to coastal areas affected by recent violence. “Despite this progress,” he said, “we continue to receive reports of killings, arbitrary arrests, and the confiscation of property belonging to Alawites who fled during the March violence.”

Pinheiro noted that the Commission has documented the abduction of at least six Alawite women this spring by unidentified individuals—two of whom remain missing. He praised the Syrian government's formation of a special investigative committee to look into these incidents, citing official statements that “numerous suspected attackers” have already been arrested.

In addition, Pinheiro condemned the recent Daesh (ISIS) attack on a church, describing it as a grave act of religious violence.

A US military base in Syria's Kasruk region came under mortar attack amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency. Details about the attackers, nature of the assault, or the extent of damage remain unclear. Following the incident, US forces secured the area and heightened surveillance. Eyewitnesses reported heavy drone and helicopter activity in the vicinity.

A suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus’ Dweilaa district has left at least 20 people dead and over 50 injured. Syria's Ministry of Interior confirmed the attacker was a member of the ISIS terrorist group. The assailant first opened fire before detonating an explosive vest inside the church. Authorities reported a second suspect was involved; one perpetrator died on the spot. Syrian officials labeled it a deliberate attempt to ignite sectarian conflict, while Turkey expressed hope for unity against terrorism. The UN has condemned the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel launched a targeted strike near the presidential palace in Damascus, Syria, on Thursday. He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protecting the Druze community living in Syria. Reuters noted that the strikes reflect Israel’s deep mistrust of Syria’s ruling Islamist faction, which ousted President Bashar al-Assad last December. Israel has warned that any deployment of Syrian forces or threats to the Druze community in southern Damascus will not be tolerated. Recent sectarian violence in Sahnaya, Damascus, left 40 people dead — an area populated by both Druze and Christians.

An Israeli airstrike near Damascus early Wednesday killed at least 16 people. Israel claims the strike targeted an extremist group planning attacks on the Arab Druze minority in the Sahnaya area. Syria’s Interior Ministry confirmed the casualties and said a newly recruited member of Syria’s security forces was among the dead.

Russia has declined to extradite former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, despite growing pressure from Syria’s new government under President Ahmed Al-Shara to bring him back for trial over crimes against the people. Russian Ambassador to Iraq, Alparus Kutrashev, said Assad continues to reside in Moscow under the condition of avoiding media and political activities. “President Putin made the decision to grant him asylum, and that remains unchanged,” he said.

Syrian interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa arrived in Qatar on Tuesday and met with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and regional security. Prior to visiting Qatar, Al-Sharaa toured the UAE and met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He has also visited Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan in recent weeks. Analysts see these visits as part of Syria’s renewed diplomatic efforts under its new leadership. Notably, Qatar’s Emir was the first world leader to visit Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad on January 30.

On Tuesday, Israeli shelling killed four people in Syria.

Israel had earlier claimed that its troops were fired upon from Syrian territory, triggering a retaliatory strike. The Israeli military has made it clear that it will not tolerate the presence of Islamist militant groups in southern Syria and has deployed additional forces to the region.

Despite EU warnings against escalating conflict, Israeli attacks continue. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas criticized the strikes, stating, “These actions risk further conflict. Syria is not attacking Israel at this moment, making such moves unnecessary.”

On Thursday, Syria’s interim president Ahmed Al-Shara signed a temporary constitution, establishing an Islamic governance system in the country for the next five years.

This new constitution replaces the previous one, which was abolished in January. Al-Shara stated that it could take 4-5 years before a presidential election is held.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has reported that approximately 9,000 civilians, mostly women and children, have sought refuge at Russia’s Hmeimim Airbase in Syria to escape escalating violence. Sectarian clashes have intensified between interim security forces and the Alawite community. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has confirmed hundreds of Alawite civilian casualties. Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa has condemned the violence, calling the killings a “threat to Syria’s unity.” Russia claims to be actively engaging with Arab states, Turkey, and Iran to ensure long-term stability in the region.

Israeli fighter jets carried out multiple airstrikes on military installations in Syria overnight, according to reports. The attacks targeted locations near Jabba and Izra in northern Daraa. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 17 airstrikes hit military positions, including the former government’s Artillery Regiment 89 and the 12th Brigade. Israeli media Channel 14 claimed that the strikes were aimed at Syrian army outposts, weapon depots, radar stations, tanks, and artillery, which Syrian rebel groups are reportedly attempting to seize. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

After more than a decade, Syria has regained its membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The decision was approved at the 20th emergency session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. OIC Secretary-General Hussein Ibrahim Taha welcomed Syria’s reinstatement, calling it a “historic” moment that will support the Syrian people during this critical period in their history. Syria’s membership was suspended in 2012 due to the Assad regime’s brutal crackdown on protesters, mass killings, and human rights violations.

On Friday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that at least 162 individuals loyal to Bashar al-Assad have had their death sentences carried out. The day before, Assad’s forces launched an unexpected attack on the country’s newly formed government security forces, resulting in numerous casualties. Following the attack, Syrian forces began operations against rebel groups from the Alawite community, executing death sentences on captured rebels immediately. Ahmed al-Shara stated, “You have attacked all Syrians and committed unforgivable crimes.” The clashes that erupted between rebels and government forces on Thursday led to the deaths of more than 250 people.

At least 48 people have been killed in violent clashes between Syrian government forces and loyalist fighters of former president Bashar al-Assad. Among the dead are 16 security personnel. The violence erupted in the Latakia province, prompting the authorities to impose a curfew in the region. Syrian state media agency SANA reported that government troops are now advancing toward the city of Jableh with “significant military reinforcements.” The Syrian-based Step News Agency stated that government forces had killed around 70 former pro-Assad fighters and detained over 25. The country’s defense ministry has called for the surrender of weapons to restore order.