SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Damascus, Dec. 22 (SANA) President Ahmad al-Sharaa received on Monday a high-level Turkish delegation at the People’s Palace in Damascus. The delegation included Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yasar Güler, and Head of the National Intelligence Organization Ibrahim Kalın.

During the meeting, President al-Sharaa and the visiting delegation discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and reviewed the latest regional developments.

Syria’s foreign minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, Defense Minister Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra, and Chief of the General Intelligence apparatus, Hussein al-Salama attended the meeting.

Syrian-Turkish relations have been steadily growing since the country’s liberation from the previous regime, with both governments committed to strengthening cooperation in all areas to serve the interests of both peoples and nations.

Abdul.A

Occupied Jerusalem, Dec. 22 (SANA) Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, warned on Monday that new Israeli measures related to the registration of international organizations operating in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank could seriously endanger humanitarian activities.

Palestinian media quoted MSF as saying in a statement that the new requirements threaten to cancel the registration of international organizations as of Jan. 1, which would prevent groups — including MSF — from delivering essential and urgently needed services to Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

“These conditions risk stripping humanitarian organizations of their ability to operate,” the statement said, warning that failure to register would block access to life-saving assistance.
MSF stressed that amid the extensive destruction of Gaza’s health sector, the loss of independent and experienced humanitarian organizations’ ability to access and respond would constitute a real catastrophe for Palestinians.

The organization called on Israeli authorities to ensure that humanitarian actors are able to maintain and continue their independent response in Gaza without obstruction.

Since the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip came into effect on Oct. 10, more than 400 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,100 others wounded by Israeli fire, according to local sources.

Damascus, Dec. 22 (SANA) Health Ministry announced on Monday that a young man and his mother were martyred, while eight civilians, including a boy and a girl, as well as two Civil Defense members were injured following “Syrian Democratic Forces” (SDF) bombardment that targeted a residential area near al-Razi Hospital in Aleppo.

In a statement, the Ministry said that all the injured were evacuated and transferred to hospitals for necessary treatment, noting that medical teams are continuously monitoring their conditions amid the ongoing situation in the city.

The Ministry stressed that the SDF attack struck the vicinity of medical facilities, describing it as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and ethical values, and emphasized that targeting health facilities is a condemned and unacceptable act.

It added that all hospitals in Aleppo city are on full alert, with medical staff mobilized and supplies secured to handle any emergency cases.

MZN

Geneva, Dec. 22 (SANA) The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Monday that the risk of famine in the Gaza Strip is intensifying, with hundreds of thousands of lives threatened as food insecurity and malnutrition continue to worsen.

In a statement posted on the X platform, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that at least 1.6 million people in Gaza are expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity through mid-April 2026.

“Estimates indicate that more than 100,000 children and 37,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women will suffer from acute malnutrition by April 2026,” Ghebreyesus said.

He noted that Gaza’s health system is struggling to cope, with only about 50 percent of health facilities partially operational and facing severe shortages of life-saving equipment and essential medical supplies.

Ghebreyesus stressed that efforts to prevent famine in the besieged enclave remain “extremely fragile,” warning that worst-case scenarios including a renewed escalation of hostilities or a halt in humanitarian aid deliveries due to operational restrictions could push the entire Gaza Strip into full-scale famine by mid-April 2026.

He underlined that improving life-saving services and expanding access to health care in Gaza requires urgent approval for the entry of essential medical supplies and equipment into hospitals across the Strip.

The WHO chief also pointed to a growing backlog of urgent medical cases, noting that more than 16,500 patients in Gaza are still awaiting emergency medical evacuation, while Doctors Without Borders have said that the actual number is likely far higher, as many patients remain unregistered.

Kh.A

Cairo, Dec. 22 (SANA) Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned on Monday the Israeli government’s decision to approve the establishment of 19 new settlements in the West Bank.

In a statement posted on X, Aboul Gheit described the move as “a blatant challenge to the international consensus rejecting settlement activity and a violation of international law, which affirms the illegitimacy of settlements.”

He added, “The clear expansion of illegitimate settlements is aimed at preventing the establishment of a geographically contiguous Palestinian state and reflects extremist influence within Israel.”

Aboul Gheit also warned that “this expansion will not render the settlements legitimate under any circumstances,” saying that the violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank “constitutes a form of terrorism carried out under the watch of the occupying state and with the protection of its official institutions.”

The Israeli government have recently approved plans to establish 19 new settlements in the West Bank, a move that has drawn criticism from Arab League officials and other members of the international community.

R.A

Damascus, Dec. 22 (SANA) Gold prices in the Syrian market rose on Monday by SYP 25,000 per gram of 21-karat gold, compared to Sunday’s price of SYP 1,375,000, according to the Goldsmiths Syndicate.

In its daily bulletin, the syndicate set the selling price of a gram of 21-karat gold at SYP 1,400,000, while the buying price was set at SYP 1,370,000.
The price of a gram of 18-karat gold reached SYP 1,200,000 for selling and SYP 1,170,000 for buying.

The syndicate stressed the need for owners of gold shops to adhere strictly to the officially announced pricing and to display it clearly at storefronts, warning that any violation would expose offenders to legal accountability.

Gold prices in the local market had risen on Sunday by SYP 15,000 per gram of 21-karat gold, continuing an upward trend recorded over the past week.

Kuala Lumpur, Dec. 22 (SANA) Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) met Monday in Kuala Lumpur in a renewed effort to resolve ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. The meeting comes as border clashes continue between the two countries.

The gathering was attended by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. Officials exchanged views on the current situation and discussed potential ASEAN measures to de-escalate tensions and prevent further hostilities.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the meeting as “an appropriate and constructive platform for the two countries to engage in open negotiations, resolve their disputes peacefully, and work towards a fair and lasting solution.”

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamed Hassan added that “ASEAN must do everything necessary to maintain regional peace and stability,” stressing that efforts must go beyond merely reducing tensions.

The dispute centers on border demarcation, with conflicts over ancient temples occasionally sparking clashes. Armed confrontations between Thailand and Cambodia began in May 2025. In July, the two countries reached a Malaysia-brokered understanding to establish a ceasefire, followed by a formal ceasefire agreement signed on October 26 in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump. Despite these efforts, clashes have resumed in recent weeks.

N/J

Idleb, Dec. 22 (SANA)  Residents of al-Quniyah village in the western countryside of Idleb celebrated on Monday evening the lighting of the Christmas tree and Nativity scene, with broad participation from the residents of al-Quniyah, al-Yaqoubiyah and al-Jadida villages, in addition to visitors from several Syrian governorates.

Father Khokaz Misrob, parish priest of al-Quniyah, told SANA that the celebration carries deep spiritual and national significance.

“We hope that the light of this blessed holiday will shine over Syria after fourteen years of suffering,” he said.

Father Misrob added that the Christmas tree and Nativity scene symbolize fertility, beauty and goodness that people hope will prevail throughout the country, expressing gratitude for the return of these celebrations in an atmosphere of safety and stability.

Maria Nazarian said that participating in the lighting of the Christmas tree carried a special feeling for her, noting that the smiles on the faces of adults and children reflected genuine joy at the return of these celebrations after a long absence.

Rita Artin said the celebration was held in full freedom and safety, adding that the presence of visitors from different governorates created an atmosphere of shared joy and collective participation, restoring happiness to residents and children.

For her part, Nadine Haddad from al-Jadida village expressed her happiness at the return of Christmas traditions, saying that the gathering of the three villages for the occasion embodied the spirit of love among residents, while visitors from other governorates added to the festive and communal atmosphere.

The event drew large crowds of residents and visitors, who expressed hope that the holiday would mark a beginning of goodness and peace for Syria, reaffirming their commitment to the values of love and fraternity embodied in the message of Christmas.

Deir Ezzor, Dec. 22 (SANA) Syrian security forces uncovered a cache of SAM-7 anti-aircraft missiles on Sunday in the city of al-Bukamal, near the Syrian-Iraqi border. The missiles were prepared for smuggling out of the country, the Interior Ministry said.

The operation, carried out by the Internal Security Directorate of al-Bukamal, followed intelligence suggesting that missiles were being concealed in a local residence for illegal export. A raid was carried out on the house, where the SAM-7 missiles were seized, the Ministry said in a statement on its Telegram channel.

The weapons were confiscated, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the smuggling attempt.

The ministry reiterated its ongoing commitment to tackling smuggling and other illicit activities to safeguard the nation’s security and stability.

This operation follows a series of recent anti-weapon smuggling actions. On December 17, authorities in the Damascus countryside disrupted an attempt to smuggle a large shipment of weapons, including RPG shells, into Lebanon.

Just days later, on December 20, a joint operation between the Damascus countryside and Daraa security forces led to the arrest of five individuals accused of smuggling arms to illegal groups in southern Syria, to the areas controlled by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and to groups linked to ISIS.

Damascus, Dec. 22 (SANA) The Armenian Catholic Diocese of Damascus organized the “Christmas Street” event at the Church of the Queen of the Universe in Bab Touma neighborhood. Hundreds gathered in a festive atmosphere that blended joy and charitable work in celebration of Christmas.

In a statement to SANA, the Armenian Catholic Archbishop of Damascus, Georges Assadourian, affirmed that “the message of Christmas is a message of hope, love, and peace, expressing the Syrians’ will to live despite all the difficulties.” He wished that goodness and peace would prevail throughout the country.

Batoul Nasrallah, owner of the “Chocolate Story” project, explained that her participation in the bazaar helped promote her micro-enterprise. It also provided an opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs, exchange experiences, and enhance the social and humanitarian nature of the event.

The annual event featured a street lined with diverse food items, a Christmas tree and nativity scene inside the church, a playground for all ages, and a charity bazaar showcasing handmade products, clothing, accessories, and more.

The attendees expressed their delight with the atmosphere, with Gibran Issa emphasizing that the event “reflects the spirit of love and cooperation among the people of the nation, and gives everyone an opportunity to meet and participate in an atmosphere of hope and peace.”

These events create a space for joy, reaffirming life’s continuation despite challenges. They also support social solidarity and reinforce the human values that Christmas embodies for both young and old.

R/D

Daraa, Dec. 22 (SANA) Israeli occupation forces advanced at dawn on Monday into the area between the villages of Maariya and Abdeen in the western countryside of Daraa, southern Syria, where they set up a temporary military checkpoint at the al-Maqsam junction.

SANA’s reporter in Daraa quoted as local authorities saying that ‘’ Israeli forces advanced at dawn into the area between the two villages, setting up a checkpoint that has restricted local movement and sparked concern among residents. Local sources confirmed they are monitoring the situation on the ground and coordinating with relative authorities.’’

Areas of the western Daraa countryside periodically witness Israeli incursions accompanied by the establishment of temporary checkpoints or sudden military movements, negatively affecting daily life and undermining local stability.

On Dec. 6, Israeli forces targeted an abandoned military outpost north of the village of Jamla in the Yarmouk Basin area west of Daraa with four shells. No injuries were reported.

Similar incursions were also recorded a day earlier in the Quneitra countryside, where an Israeli patrol consisting of two military vehicles advanced from the al-Adnaniyah point in northern Quneitra and set up a checkpoint at the Umm al-Azam junction linking the villages of Ruwaihina and al-Mashayrifa. Another patrol advanced west of al-Rafid town in southern Quneitra countryside, while a separate Israeli force of five military vehicles entered the village of Sayda al-Hanout in the same area.

Israel continues its aggressive policies and violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement through repeated incursions into the countrysides of Daraa and Quneitra and attacks on civilians.

Damascus has repeatedly renewed its call for the implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions and an end to the Israeli occupation of Syrian territory, urging the international community to assume its responsibilities in deterring these unlawful practices.

Daraa, Dec. 22 (SANA) A young woman was killed on Monday after a hand grenade left over from the former regime exploded in the al-Lajat area of the northern Daraa countryside.

Director of Izra National Hospital Dr. Mahmoud al-Zaabi told SANA that the young woman was brought to the hospital in critical condition after sustaining severe injuries from the explosion, and died a short time later.

Similar incidents continue to occur in several areas of the Daraa countryside, which still suffer from the presence of unexploded war remnants inside homes and on agricultural land, posing a serious threat to civilians’ lives.

On Oct. 18, a grenade explosion inside a house in the town of Khirbet Ghazaleh in the Daraa countryside injured five children with varying degrees of severity.

Unexploded ordnance and war remnants remain a silent legacy of danger hidden among rubble and agricultural fields, representing a major security and humanitarian challenge that threatens the lives and safety of thousands of Syrian families returning to their cities and villages liberated from the former regime.

In a previous statement to SANA, Joseph McCartan, head of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) program in Syria, said that 2024 recorded the highest rates of casualties caused by explosions of war remnants and unexploded ordnance. He noted that 500 victims, killed or injured, were documented across more than 800 contaminated sites in southern, eastern and northern regions, making mine-risk awareness and safety one of the most urgent priorities in the post-liberation phase.

Damascus, Dec. (SANA) In a significant event, the Political Affairs Directorate in the Damascus countryside hosted the premiere of the documentary “Deterring Aggression” on Sunday evening. The screening drew an audience of religious leaders, intellectuals, and numerous official and public figures. This event coincided with similar showings across the country, marking the first anniversary of Liberation Day.

The documentary, running over two hours, offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the military operations during the “Deterring Aggression” battle. For the first time, it unveils pivotal moments leading up to the battle, its aftermath, and the liberation of Aleppo, Hama, and Damascus—an operation that has become a defining chapter in Syria’s modern history.

Following the screening, Amer al-Sheikh, Governor of the Damascus countryside, addressed the audience, stressing that the film serves to document history and prevent any attempts to distort the facts. The documentary also powerfully portrays the fighters’ entry into the liberated areas, symbolizing the justice of their cause and their humanity.

At the conclusion of the event, several key figures involved in the “Deterring Aggression” operation were honored for their contributions.

Produced by the Syrian Radio and Television Production Corporation, “Deterring Aggression” chronicles a pivotal moment in Syria’s history. Spanning eleven days, it captures the resilience, strategic leadership, and detailed planning that ultimately led to hard-won victory.

R/D

Daraa, Dec. 22 (SANA) The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) branch in Daraa distributed food assistance on Monday to families arriving from Sweida governorate and residing in Kharba village in the western countryside of Daraa.

Director of the Red Crescent team in Daraa, Adnan al-Falah, told SANA that the teams are working to meet the needs of the arriving families across six shelters in Daraa governorate, in addition to western villages of the Sweida countryside and gathering points for arrivals across Daraa’s rural areas.

“The assistance is provided on a regular basis and includes food, household, health and shelter supplies, according to a program aimed at achieving sufficiency for beneficiaries,” al-Falah said.

The local authority of Kharba village said that food baskets were distributed to 160 families. Each basket contains basic food items including oil, rice, sugar, lentils, chickpeas, bulgur and assorted canned goods.

The Daraa branch of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent has previously distributed thousands of food baskets to arriving families, as part of its continued efforts to support affected groups and meet their basic needs.

These efforts have also included winter assistance provided last month in shelters and hosting communities across villages in the eastern countryside of Daraa governorate.

R.A

Rabat, Dec. 22 (SANA) The Moroccan national football team began their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign for “Morocco 2025” with a 2-0 win over Comoros on Sunday, in the opening match of the tournament’s 35th edition.

The match, which kicked off Group A action, ended goalless at halftime, with both teams battling for control.

Morocco gained momentum in the second half, with Real Madrid star Brahim Díaz breaking the deadlock in the 55th minute. Substitute striker Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win with a goal in the 74th minute, ensuring a comfortable start for the hosts.

Group A also features Mali and Zambia, who will face each other Monday.

The Africa Cup of Nations, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is held every two years. The most recent edition, in 2023, saw Côte d’Ivoire crowned champions after defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

R.H