SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, urged the international community to intensify its efforts and cooperation to ensure the effective implementation of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement to Anadolu Agency, Laurence emphasized that “the Gaza Strip is entering a critical phase, requiring all parties to take responsibility and ensure that this political momentum translates into lasting peace and security.” He highlighted the importance of countries working together to ensure the agreement’s successful implementation.

This statement comes as Israeli forces continue to violate the ceasefire, which took effect on the 10th of October. Since then, Israeli forces have launched numerous attacks on Palestinian civilians, resulting in dozens of casualties.

Head of the United Nations Human Rights Office in the West Bank, Ajith Sunghay, has confirmed an unprecedented escalation in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in support of Israeli forces.

UN News center quoted Sunghay as saying at a press conference in Ramallah that the intensifying Israeli assaults during the olive harvest season, are part of a broader pattern of violations aimed at severing Palestinians from their land and facilitating illegal settlement expansion. He warned of catastrophic consequences, noting that between 80,000 to 100,000 Palestinian families rely on the olive harvest as a primary source of livelihood.

Sunghay emphasized that the denial of Palestinians’ rights to life, livelihood, security, dignity, and self-determination by Israeli authorities is both unlawful and unacceptable. He stressed that no matter how long the occupation persists, it must not be normalized, and that Israel is legally obligated to end the occupation and reverse its annexation of the West Bank.

He also highlighted that in 2023, approximately 96,000 dunams of olive-planted land in the West Bank were left unharvested due to Israeli discriminatory policies, resulting in losses exceeding $10 million for Palestinian farmers. The same pattern continued during the 2024 harvest season.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has called for the full and permanent repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, arguing that the law is no longer serving its intended purpose following the fall of the Assad regime and the rise of a new Syrian government.

In a letter sent Tuesday to key U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Representatives Brian Mast and Gregory Meeks of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, John Murphy, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, expressed support for a bipartisan effort to end the law.

“On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, I write in support of the bipartisan effort to fully and permanently repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 (Caesar Act),” the letter read. Murphy added that with the collapse of the Assad regime and the emergence of a transitional government, the Caesar Act no longer aligns with U.S. strategic interests.

While the Caesar Act was originally designed to hold the Assad regime accountable for its human rights abuses, the Chamber argues that other sanctioning mechanisms are now available to achieve the same objective.

The letter also stressed the negative impact the Caesar Act continues to have on American businesses, restricting their ability to invest and engage in trade with Syria. Despite some waivers and executive actions from the Trump administration, the six-month renewal cycle and the risk of “snapback” sanctions create an environment of uncertainty that discourages long-term investment and planning.

American companies, the letter argued, need clarity and predictability to compete effectively in global markets. With the ongoing ambiguity surrounding the Caesar Act’s future, U.S. firms are at a competitive disadvantage, allowing foreign competitors to take the lead in shaping Syria’s economic future.

Murphy concluded by urging Congress to act swiftly and completely repeal the law. “Repealing the Caesar Act will not only advance U.S. economic interests but also contribute to regional stability and the long-term prosperity of the Syrian people,” he said.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Senate voted to include a repeal of the Caesar Act as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Arenillas in Ecuador’s El Oro province at 7:05 p.m. local time on Tuesday, with tremors felt across 11 provinces including Guayaquil.

“The epicenter was 43 kilometers south of Machala at a depth of 83 kilometers in a seismically active border zone with Peru. “According to the Ecuadorian Geophysical Institute.

 Authorities reported no casualties or major damage, and emergency teams are assessing coastal areas while monitoring for aftershocks.

On World Food Day, the Saudi Ambassador to Damascus announced that Saudi Arabia has implemented 1,056 humanitarian projects globally, with 110 of those in Syria, focused on improving food security and supporting vulnerable populations.

During a ceremony organized by the Saudi Embassy in Damascus, Ambassador Faisal bin Saud al-Mujfel emphasized Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. He said that the Relief Center has invested over $8 billion in food-related projects worldwide, of which more than $145 million directed toward 110 projects in Syria alone, aiming to assist those most in need while bolstering global food security.

Al-Mujfel further highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strategic focus on food security and agricultural development, noting that these sectors are key to achieving the goals of its Vision 2030. He added that the agricultural sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP reached approximately 109 billion riyals in 2023, and increased to 114 billion riyals in 2024, signaling sustainable growth in this vital industry.

In terms of food security, al-Mujfel noted that Saudi Arabia ranks 41st in the 2022 Global Food Security Index, advancing two spots from the previous year. He also pointed to the Kingdom’s investments in major agricultural initiatives, such as the $9 billion livestock city being developed in Hafr Al-Batin, which aims to increase local production and support self-sufficiency.

“World Food Day serves as a reminder that achieving food security requires global collaboration, strategic investments, and collective action for the benefit of our nations and peoples,” ambassador al-Mujfel stated.

Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammad Al-Saleh, told SANA, underscored the significance of World Food Day in promoting sustainable resource management and consumption. He emphasized that securing access to food is a fundamental right and an essential part of strengthening national identity and culture.

Minister al-Saleh also drew parallels between the resilience needed in agriculture and the ongoing rebuilding process in Syria. “Just as a farmer plants a seed today and patiently awaits the harvest, Syria’s journey of rebuilding, which began after liberation, is a testament to endurance and hope,” he said.

Marianne Ward, the World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director in Syria, also spoke on the importance of the day. “World Food Day highlights the urgent need for global food security,” she said, noting that nearly 800 million people worldwide still face hunger and uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. “The WFP and the international community must continue to work together to change this reality.”

Ward also praised Saudi Arabia’s advancements in agricultural technology, which have positioned the country as a leading wheat producer. The WFP hopes that Saudi Arabia’s agricultural expertise can be transferred to Syria’s dry climate, helping to restore the country’s food security and agricultural viability.

World Food Day is observed every year on October 16, a day designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to raise awareness about global hunger and the importance of sustainable food systems.

Two civilians were killed and five others were injured when militants targeted a civilian car in the Kafr Mars area of Jabal al-Summaq in northern Idleb countryside.

The director of Internal Security in Harem, Idleb, told SANA that the armed attack was carried out by unknown militants on a motorcycle, resulting in two fatalities and five others being injured, some with varying degrees of severity.

The security official confirmed that investigations are ongoing to uncover the circumstances of the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice, as part of efforts to ensure citizen security and regional stability.

Minister of Information Hamza al-Mustafa held an open dialogue with members of the Syrian community in Qatar on the media landscape and the ministry’s efforts to rebuild the national media discourse to reflect the country’s achievements and the sacrifices of its people.

At the meeting organized by the Syrian embassy in Doha, the minister stressed the critical role of media in strengthening ties between Syria and its expatriates, affirming the Ministry’s commitment to fostering deeper collaboration across media and cultural platforms.

Syrian ambassador Bilal Turkiah opened the meeting with a welcoming speech, expressing pride in the community’s positive role in preserving national values and cultural identity, and in representing Syria honorably within Qatari society.

During the open discussion, Minister al-Mustafa responded to participants’ questions on media affairs, expatriate issues, and cultural initiatives. Attendees exchanged proposals on how to enhance communication between Syrian media institutions and expatriate communities, aiming to convey the true image of Syria and reinforce national belonging among younger generations.

Internal Security in Lattakia Governorate has successfully thwarted an attempted kidnapping of a local jeweler following a targeted security operation that led to the arrest of all members of the criminal gang.

The Ministry of Interior said in a statement, published late Tuesday on its Telegram channel, that the suspect, Khodr Ali Ibrahim Mohammad, from the village of Al-Qatilibiyah in Latakia countryside, attempted with his gang to kidnap jeweler George Abdullah Zakour in the city of Latakia. Mohammad was assisted by an individual linked to a cell of the former regime.

The ministry added that the Internal Security Directorate executed a precise ambush as part of the operation, resulting in the capture of all gang members.

Investigations have been ongoing to uncover the full circumstances, motives, and any parties behind the crime.

The Ministry of Economy and Industry and the General Establishment for Geology and Mineral Resources in Syria held a video meeting on Tuesday with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of the joint committees between the two brotherly countries.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed means of enhancing joint industrial cooperation, activating investment and manufacturing opportunities in priority sectors, and exchanging technical and administrative expertise.

They also reviewed ways to facilitate the establishment of joint projects that contribute to supporting industrial development and strengthening the productive base in both countries.

The two sides underscored the importance of continuing technical coordination between the specialized working teams to ensure the implementation of the items agreed upon within the joint action plan, in preparation for holding subsequent meetings to assess the progress achieved and to develop practical mechanisms to overcome obstacles facing industrial cooperation.

The meeting comes within the framework of a series of sessions aimed at activating the six agreed-upon tracks between the Syrian Arab Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the aim of developing bilateral relations in the fields of economy, investment, industry, trade, and energy.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has urged European countries to play an active role in supporting Syria’s recovery and in the reconstruction of Gaza.

In a speech delivered on Tuesday during a session of the European Parliament, which she later shared on the X platform, von der Leyen emphasized that Europe must play a role in encouraging the rebirth of Syria and in the rebuilding of Gaza, as well as in revitalizing the two-state solution for Israeli – Palestinian conflict.

Additionally, von der Leyen underscored the importance of Europe’s efforts to secure a lasting and just peace in Ukraine.

Germany is seeking to strengthen economic ties with Syria and support the country’s reconstruction efforts, Clemens Hach, Chargé d’Affaires at the German Embassy in Damascus said during a visit to the Cement and Concrete Industry Conference and Exhibition in Rural Damascus, where he highlighted growing German interest in contributing to Syria’s rebuilding projects.

Hach told SANA that the participation of several German companies, either directly or through local partners, reflects mutual trust and the strong reputation of German technology and products in the Syrian market. He noted that bilateral trade between Syria and Germany reached approximately 1.8 billion euros in 2010, a level Germany hopes to reach again in the coming years.

He added that a large German business delegation recently visited Damascus, holding meetings with Syrian government officials and Syrian and Austrian business partners, giving German companies a deeper understanding of Syria’s market needs and future plans in industry, construction, and energy sectors.

Hach emphasized that relations between Syria and Germany are built on a long history of friendship and partnership, noting that more than one million Syrians currently reside in Germany, forming an integral part of German society and serving as a bridge to enhance social and economic cooperation between the two countries.

He concluded by stating that Syria is a promising country with human resources and a strategic location, and that German companies see substantial opportunities to participate in reconstruction through technology transfer, expertise, and joint investment, contributing to sustainable economic development.

The Cement and Concrete Industry Conference and Exhibition, held at the Exhibition City in Rural Damascus, continues until tomorrow, with participation from approximately 40 local, regional, and international companies.

Amer Dhawa

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani received a phone call Tuesday from his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, during which they discussed bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and ways to further develop and enhance cooperation across various fields in a manner that serves the interests of their peoples.

The two ministers affirmed the depth of the fraternal ties between Syria and the Sultanate of Oman and stressed their commitment to continuing coordination and consultation on issues of mutual concern.

The discussion also covered the latest regional and international developments, with both sides emphasizing the importance of strengthening dialogue and joint cooperation to support regional stability and the interests of both countries.

Amer Dhawa

The Minister of Defense of the Syrian Arab Republic, Maj. Gen. Marhaf Abu Qasra, met Tuesday with Col. Andrey Bedrudinov, the Defense Attaché at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Damascus, accompanied by members of his delegation.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed a number of issues of mutual interest and discussed ways to enhance coordination and strengthen military cooperation between the Syrian Arab Republic and the Russian Federation.

Both parties emphasized the importance of continuing consultation and joint efforts to further develop the long-standing relations.

The meeting was attended by several senior officers from the Syrian Ministry of Defense and members of the Russian delegation.

Amer Dhawa

Syrian Foreign Minister, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, received on Tuesday a delegation from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), headed by Shafik Sachedina, Head of the Diplomatic Department and President of Institutions and Councils within the Network.

During the meeting, both sides discussed means to enhance joint cooperation in the fields of sustainable development, social services, and cultural initiatives, in a way that supports Syria’s recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Mazen

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani met on Tuesday with as Dutch’s Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development Aukje de Vries and her accompanying delegation in Damascus to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations and strengthen economic and development cooperation between Syria and the Netherlands.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in a way that serves the interests of both countries and their peoples.

Amer Dhawa

Damascus-SANA

Syrian Minister of Justice, Mazhar Al-Weis, discussed Tuesday with Angela Me, Head of the Research and Trend Analysis Branch at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and an accompanying delegation way to enhance bilateral cooperation in combating crime and drugs trafficking.

During the meeting held in Damascus, both sides explored avenues for strengthening the exchange of information and expertise between the Ministry and international organizations.

They emphasized the importance of fostering relations in this field and reaffirmed their commitment to continued joint efforts to combat all forms of crime and drug trafficking.

Minister Al-Weis underlined the Syrian government’s interest in combating drugs and stressed the need for international cooperation to achieve this goal.

He also underscored the importance of protecting Syrian territory and monitoring borders as key factors in drug control efforts.

He pointed out that a specialized committee is working on drafting legislation related to drug control, noting that Syrian law includes strict penalties for drug-related crimes and that the government is actively enforcing these laws through enhanced monitoring mechanisms.

Angela Me praised the Ministry’s efforts in combating drugs and organized crime.

In a similar meeting, Minister of Justice discussed with Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations, and her delegation, ways to promote transitional justice and build a state based on the rule of law and human rights.

Mazen

Syria’s post- war reconstruction costs are estimated at $216 billion as the 13-year war damaged nearly one third of the country’s pre-conflict gross capital stock, according to a new World Bank report. The Syria Physical Damage and Reconstruction Assessment 2011-2024 presents the results of a rapid nationwide assessment across infrastructure and building assets, covering the period from 2011 to 2024. All estimates are in U.S. dollars.

The conflict has damaged nearly one-third of Syria’s pre-conflict gross capital stock, with direct physical damages to infrastructure, residential buildings, and non-residential buildings estimated at $108 billion. Among the categories assessed, infrastructure was the hardest hit, accounting for 48 percent of total damage ($52 billion), followed by residential buildings ($33 billion) and non-residential buildings ($23 billion). The governorates of Aleppo, Rif Dimashq, and Homs were the most severely affected in terms of total damage.  

Reconstruction costs of damaged physical assets are projected to range between $140 billion and $345 billion, with a conservative best estimate of $216 billion. This includes $75 billion for residential buildings, $59 billion for non-residential structures, and $82 billion for infrastructure. The governorates of Aleppo and Rif Dimashq are expected to require the most significant reconstruction investments. 

“The challenges ahead are immense, but the World Bank stands ready to work alongside the Syrian people and the international community to support recovery and reconstruction,” said Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Middle East Division Director. “Collective commitment, coordinated action, and a comprehensive, structured support program are critical to helping Syria on its path to recovery and long-term development.”

The estimated physical reconstruction costs are nearly ten times Syria’s projected 2024 GDP, underscoring the scale of the challenge and the immense need for international support. The conflict has devastated Syria’s economy, with real GDP declining by nearly 53 percent between 2010 and 2022. In nominal terms, GDP (current US$) contracted from $67.5 billion in 2011 to an estimated $21.4 billion in 2024, as per Syria Macro-Fiscal Assessment published earlier this year. 

“This report provides a critical baseline of the massive scale of the destruction and of the reconstruction costs ahead”, said H.E. Yisr Barnieh, Syria’s Minister of Finance. “Now, more than ever, it is imperative for the international community to mobilize support and partnership to help Syria restore essential infrastructure, revitalize communities, and lay the foundation for a more resilient future for its people.”

Given the protracted conflict and related methodological constraints, the report findings are subject to significant uncertainty. The report does not provide detailed disaggregation by sectors or more detailed asset types. It is intended to provide an estimate of the overall scale of damage and reconstruction costs, and to inform discussions on recovery planning.

The assessment was prepared with financial and technical support from the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR).

Syrian Civil Defense firefighting teams extinguished a fire broke out in a lumber warehouse in al-Midan neighborhood in Damascus, causing material damage but no injuries were reported, Civil Defense said.

Head of Civil Defense in Damascus, Hassan al-Hassan, stated to SANA that their teams managed to contain and extinguish the fire that broke out last night after more than eight hours of ongoing work.
Al-Hassan pointed out that ten firefighting vehicles and more than thirty personnel took part in the extinguishing operations. The fire was successfully contained, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings

He noted that the firefighting teams faced significant challenges due to the difficulty of accessing the depths of the site, caused by the density of materials and the absence of safety systems inside the warehouses.

The Syrian Civil Defense is making significant efforts to enhance public safety and promote a culture of community-based prevention, ensuring the protection of citizens and property under all circumstances.

Fawaz al-Ahmad, head of the General Federation of Trade Unions (GFTU) in Syria, held a meeting with representatives from the Turkish Federation of Public Sector Employees’ Unions (Memur-Sen) to explore opportunities for regional cooperation and exchange of trade union expertise.

The discussions focused on ways to enhance Syrian labor legislation, drawing on Turkey’s experience in regulating professional relations and improving the work environment. Both sides also explored the development of vocational training programs tailored to the needs of the local labor market and aligned with economic development goals.

Syrian Minister of Information, Hamza al-Mustafa discussed with the CEO of Media City Qatar, Jassim Mohamed Al-Khoori, ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides in the fields of media and advanced technologies.

Accompanied by the deputy minister for Digital Media and Development Affairs, Mohammad Tafran, and the Director-General of Al-Wahda Press and Printing Corporation, Khaled Khalaf, the minister visited Qatar’s Media City.

The discussions focused on the importance of joint work in digital media and emerging technologies, with an emphasis on launching collaborative media projects aimed at raising awareness and disseminating knowledge.

This visit is part of broader efforts by Syria to strengthen collaboration with Arab countries in digital media and specialized content development.