solare West Asia: Blinken Wraps Up Regional Tour In Jordan, Israeli Airstrike Continues In Gaza

Syria Photo: AP Syria Photo: AP

Top diplomats from the United Statessolare, the Arab League, and Turkey convened in Jordan on Saturday to discuss the future of Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government just a week ago. 

The focus of the meet was on shaping the country's transition in the aftermath of the Assad family's more than 50-year rule, which has left the region in turmoil. There was, however, no representative from Syria.

The sudden collapse of the Assad regime has sparked fresh concerns about regional instability in West Asia which is already facing the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and the continuing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. While a fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Lebanon, these developments have made the Middle East's security situation more precarious than ever.

West Asia Latest Developments

US Secretary of State Blinken wraps up regional tour in Jordan

During a regional tour, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the need for a “Syrian-led transition” and said that the United States has been in direct communication with the Syrian insurgent group that led the overthrow of Assad. However, Blinken clarified that this group remains classified by the US as a “foreign terrorist organization.” 

Blinken, wrapping up the tour, reaffirmed a broad consensus among his counterparts in Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey that Syria’s future government must be inclusive, respect human rights, and prioritize the dismantling of chemical weapons stockpiles from the Assad era. “The new Syrian government must be one that is inclusive, respects the rights of all citizens, including minorities, and ensures that state institutions are restored and secure,” he said during a press conference in Aqaba.

ALSO READ|Turkey To Reopen Embassy In Syria For First Time Since 2012 In Wake Of Assad's Fall

UN, US, and others call for inclusive political progress in Syria

During a meeting with UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, Blinken discussed the challenges of Syria's transition and the essential role the United Nations would play in providing humanitarian assistance.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, diplomats from multiple countries, including the United States, Turkey, and several Arab nations, voiced their support for a Syrian-led transitional process aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution and the restoration of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement also condemned Israel’s recent military actions in Syria, particularly the seizure of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights, which the diplomats labeled as a "heinous occupation."

Akhimullah Anuar scored Malaysia's lone goal in the 34th minute. The victory gave India the lead in the standings with nine points from three successive wins.

Known as 'The Wall' for his impeccable skills in front of the goalpost, Sreejesh was instrumental in guiding the team through remarkable successes, including two Asian Games gold medals, and two Champions Trophy silver medals.

A separate statement issued by Arab foreign ministers called for UN-supervised elections based on a new constitution approved by Syrians.

ALSO READ|Syria's Journey Through Autocracy, Terrorism And Caliphate Towards Liberation

Israeli airstrikes continues in Gaza, civilian death toll rises

Meanwhile, situation remains worse in Gaza as Israeli airstrikes continued to target Hamas positions, resulting in significant civilian casualties. On Saturday, at least 11 people were killed in airstrikes across Gaza, including a deadly attack in Deir al-Balah that claimed four lives. Palestinian officials also reported that an airstrike hit Gaza City's Majda Wasilla school, a shelter for displaced families, killing at least seven, including a woman and her two-day-old baby.

The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, stating they targeted Hamas fighters at a compound, but the mounting toll on civilians raises concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has already left over 2 million Palestinians suffering in dire conditions.

Syria’s New Leadership Focuses on Reconstruction, Not Conflict

In Syria, the newly established leadership, led by the insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has faced significant challenges in navigating both internal and external relations. Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has made it clear that his group is not seeking further conflict despite Israel's aggressive actions. “We are not seeking further conflict but are focused on rebuilding our country,” al-Sharaa told Syrian TV.

He stated that the focus should be on rebuilding Syria, which has been ravaged by years of war. He further stressed that "uncalculated military adventures" are not in Syria’s interest and that diplomatic engagement is the key to ensuring the country's security and stability.

Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes targeting Syrian military assets and strategic weapon stockpiles since Assad's fall, with no signs of de-escalation. While Israel maintains that its presence is temporary and aimed at securing its borders, it has faced condemnation from several Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan.

ALSO READ|Fall Of Assad’s Regime Permanently Closes ‘Human Slaughterhouse’ Of Syria

Hezbollah says it lost key supply line in Syria

Hezbollah, a long-time ally of the Assad regime, has also been affected by the political shift in Syria. The group's leader, Naim Kassem, confirmed that the fall of Assad had severed Hezbollah’s main supply line through Syria. 

In his first public comments in the week since Assad's fall, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem in a televised speech Saturday said Hezbollah has lost the military supply line through Syria but the new authority there might reinstate the route. Otherwise, he said, “we might find other ways,” AP reported.

rollbit casino Palestinian refugees return to Yarmouk 

In the refugee camps surrounding Damascus, the return of displaced Palestinians, particularly to the Yarmouk camp, has sparked uncertainty about their future under the new leadership. Once a thriving hub for Palestinians, Yarmouk was devastated during the Syrian civil war. With Assad's government dismantled, many displaced Palestinians are hopeful about returning but are unclear about their role in Syria’s future. 

Palestinian leaders are keen to establish a dialogue with the new authorities to safeguard their community's rights and security.solare