SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Syria took part in the 103rd session of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labor Organization in the Egyptian capital, Cairo on Saturday aimed at addressing several issue including the condition of Palestinian workers and the people in the occupied Arab territories, and key labor issues across the Arab world.

Fawaz Al-Ahmad, head of the General Federation of Trade Unions in Syria affirmed his support for all efforts aimed at boosting Arab unity and integrating union roles in confronting the region’s economic and social challenges.

He stressed the importance of continued coordination among member states on shared labor and development issues to promote social justice and decent work across the Arab world.

Al-Ahmad praised the Arab Labor Organization’s role in supporting the tripartite production sectors and adopting initiatives aimed at empowering Arab workers, enhancing vocational training systems, and facilitating the exchange of expertise among member states.

He reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to implementing decisions that strengthen Arab labor solidarity and uphold workers’ rights across the region.

In a statement issued at the conclusion of the session, the council welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the beginning of the return of thousands of displaced palestinians.

It commended diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid and demanded that the occupying authorities compensate Palestinian workers and civilians for the damage caused by their brutal assaults, and that perpetrators of these violations be brought before international courts as war criminals.

The council also called for intensified support for the Palestinian people by contributing to relief programs and the Palestinian Employment Fund, and by backing labor-intensive training and employment initiatives to mitigate the effects of the economic blockade imposed on Palestine.

It reiterated its condemnation of incursions by occupation forces and extremists into Al-Aqsa Mosque and other religious sites, describing them as provocations against Muslim and Christian sentiments and violations of international conventions.

The village of “al-Mughayriyeh“, located in the Jabal al-Akrad region of northern Lattakia countryside, has become the first village in the area to witness the full return of its residents after years of displacement. The return marks a significant step toward recovery and rebuilding of the once war-torn region.

Several service projects in the village were implemented in cooperation with local organizations, including water supply restoration and the construction of a small prayer hall. Work is also ongoing to prepare a temporary school for children until a permanent one is built, Wael Madniyah, head of the Al-Mughayriyeh village committee, told SANA’s correspondent.

A Village Reborn

He affirmed that despite the extensive destruction it endured, Al-Mughayriyeh is now experiencing a true revival thanks to the efforts and resilience of its people. Optimism about the future is strong, and reconstruction and land rehabilitation efforts continue to make the village better than it was.

Citizen Saad Madniyah noted that he reopened his old grocery store after returning to the village, which he was forced to leave in 2015. His goal was to meet the needs of residents who previously had to travel long distances for basic supplies.

He explained that the return of residents occurred gradually following improved conditions and the resumption of water supply to homes. Currently, around 65 families reside in the village, working together to rebuild homes and rehabilitate agricultural lands, which are their main source of livelihood.

Education Returns

Teacher Alaa Madniyah praised the efforts of the Lattakia Directorate of Education, which established a temporary school consisting of several hangars in the village square to provide education for returning children, more than 70 students from various primary and secondary levels. He noted that the permanent school is still under construction and requires essential supplies, but the most important achievement is the return of students to their desks within their own village, which strengthens family stability and restores hope for normal life.

The villages of Jabal al-Akrad are witnessing a gradual agricultural revival, with an increasing pace of residents returning to their homes after years of displacement caused by the practices of the former regime, a scene that reflects the will to live despite the challenges.

The Department of Internal Security in the al-Qusayr area of Homs Governorate has seized a shipment of Kornet missiles intended for smuggling abroad. The missiles were being transported on two motorcycles, marking the second such operation in less than two weeks.

According to the Ministry of the Interior’s official Telegram channel on Saturday, the operation was the result of exhaustive investigations and ongoing monitoring to trace the source of illegal weapons in the region.

The Ministry stressed that authorities are continuing their investigations to identify all those involved, determine the exact source of the weapons, and apply strong legal measures against those responsible.

MHD Ibrahim

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Marwan Al-Halabi, and Minister of Health, Musab Al-Ali, conducted an inspection visit on Saturday to the University Children’s Hospital in Damascus, following a fire that broke out on the fifth floor.

During the visit, the ministers checked on the condition of the pediatric patients who had been transferred to Al-Mowasat University Hospital for treatment.

They reviewed the medical procedures taken to ensure the children’s safety and well-being.

Earlier, Damascus firefighting teams successfully extinguished the blaze, which was caused by an electrical short circuit in the isolation and infection control storage area. The incident resulted in material damage only, with a few minor cases of smoke inhalation reported.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, held Saturday a meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters in Damascus with the Directorate of International Cooperation and representatives from various provinces, ministries, and public institutions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated via its Telegram channel that the meeting discussed mechanisms for enhancing and advancing international cooperation between the Syrian Arab Republic and other countries and international organizations.

Discussions also covered joint plans and programs aimed at strengthening developmental and economic partnerships and supporting service sectors.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Assaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, received in Damascus, separately, the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Italy, and Bangladesh.

The Foreign Minister received copies of the credentials from Faisal Al-Mujfel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Ruben Kharazyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia; Stefano Ravagnan, Ambassador of the Italian Republic; and Noor-E Helal Saifur Rahman, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Syrian Minister of Defense, Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra, met with Haluk Görgün, President of the Defense Industry Agency of Turkey, and his accompanying delegation on Saturday in Damascus.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense shared via its Telegram channel, the two sides discussed a range of mutual topics and explored ways to enhance cooperation in the field of defense industries between Syria and Turkey.

In mid-August, the Syrian and Turkish Defense Ministries signed an agreement for joint military cooperation. The pact aims to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian Arab Army, strengthen its institutional structure, and support the country’s ongoing comprehensive security sector reform.

Damascus University has been listed for the second consecutive year in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, making it the only Syrian institution among the top 2,191 universities from 115 countries worldwide.

The university earned a placement in the “+1501” category, maintaining its position among the top 7% of global research and academic institutions. The ranking highlights the university’s strength in scientific research quality, international collaboration, and academic reputation.

According to Dr. Marwan Al-Raai, head of the university’s ranking office, Damascus University received high scores in the international academic survey, reflecting global recognition of its research standing. However, internal feedback from students and faculty indicated areas for improvement in campus services and environment.

The Times ranking is considered one of the most prestigious global benchmarks for evaluating higher education and research performance, and Damascus University’s continued presence reinforces its role as a leading academic institution in the region.

Foreign and Expatriates Minister, Assaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, received Saturday, His Excellency Mr. Noor-E Helal Saifur Rahman, the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Syrian Arab Republic.

The meeting took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in Damascus, where a copy of his credentials was accepted.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Assaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, received on Saturday Stefano Ravagnan, the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to the Syrian Arab Republic, and accepted a copy of his credentials.

Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani received the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Syria, Mr. Ruben Kharazian, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Damascus.

Ambassador Kharazian formally presented a copy of his credentials during the meeting.

Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mr. Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani, received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Syria, Dr. Faisal Al-Mujfel, at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Damascus on Saturday.

During the meeting, Dr. Al-Mujfel formally presented a copy of his credentials.

Israeli warplanes launched overnight airstrikes on the Al-Musaylih area in southern Lebanon, killing a Syrian national and injuring seven others, including two women, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.

The strikes targeted six sites housing heavy machinery, causing extensive destruction, fires, and the closure of a main road.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack as a deliberate strike on civilian infrastructure, warning of its timing—coming after the Gaza ceasefire—which raises concerns about Israel’s intentions to escalate tensions in Lebanon.

These raids are part of a series of repeated Israeli assaults on southern Lebanon, with a previous attack in September resulting in multiple casualties in Nabatieh province.

A fire broke out on the fifth floor at the University Children’s Hospital in Damascus, caused by an electrical short circuit, hospital officials said.

Firefighters responded promptly and managed to bring the blaze under control.

Hospital Director Diana al-Asmar told SANA that the fire started in a storage room containing medical supplies and documents for the nursing staff.

She added that there were no injuries, and the infant incubators were safely evacuated, sustaining no damage.

At least 23 people have died in Mexico because of heavy rains this week.

Mexico’s civil defense authorities on Friday reported intense rainfall in 31 out of 32 states, with the worst-affected areas being Veracruz in the east, Queretaro and Hidalgo in the centre, and the north-central state of San Luis Potosi and 1,000 homes were affected by Heavy rains .

President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X after a meeting with local officials and members of her Cabinet: “We are working to support the population, reopen roads and get the power back on.”

The Mexican military will help distribute aid in affected areas.

The Internal Security Forces in Daraa arrested Saturday a member of a group involved in stealing electrical equipment along the Daraa–Damascus highway.

A security source told SANA that “Internal Security patrols began closely monitoring the movements of the outlaw group, clashed with them and arrested one of the individuals”.

“A quantity of stolen electrical equipment was recove, and the forces are hunting the remaining suspects to bring them to justice”

Israeli forces released Friday five Syrians who were previously arrested in Saida Al-Hanout town of Quneitra southern countryside.

According to SANA reporter, the five civilians, three of whom are farmers and two shepherds, were arrested during an infiltration operation by an Israeli military patrol in the area.

Syria has always condemned Israel’s repeated infiltration into its territory in violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement and international law, urging the international community to deter the Israeli violations.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs announced that the declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza Strip gave a new hope for relief at last, stressing that the United Nations and its partners are ready to immediately expand the scope of the humanitarian response.

The office said in a statement on Friday that thousands of displaced people resumed their movement towards their areas in the northern Gaza Strip, most of them on foot, within minutes of the occupation authorities announcing the entry into force of the ceasefire this afternoon.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General stressed during a press conference the need to “open additional crossings into Gaza, safe movement of relief workers and all other civilians, unrestricted entry of goods, and issuance of visas to employees.

Dujarric said: “We and our NGO partners must be given space to work, in line with humanitarian principles, so that the organization can implement its humanitarian plan set by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs.

Dujarric called on all leaders supporting the ceasefire to help the United Nations create the necessary conditions to carry out humanitarian operations without obstacles and to generously support the response.

King Abdullah II of Jordan called for stepping up international efforts within the humanitarian response in Gaza, following the recent ceasefire agreement.

during a phone call with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, King Abdullah II noted the importance of committing to the implementation of all stages of the agreement, reached through the efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt and Türkey, adding that the current agreement must be built on, to achieve comprehensive calm in the region,  the Jordanian Royal Divan said in a statement. 

The King warned of the dangers of unilateral measures against Palestinians in the West Bank, as well as attacks on Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and commended the recent adoption of a resolution by the UNESCO Executive Board on the importance of preserving the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its walls.