SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

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.

Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine announced rejection  of any ‘foreign guardianship’ over Gaza, stressing that its governance is a purely internal Palestinian matter.

In a joint statement, the Palestinian factions said “We renew our rejection of any foreign guardianship, and we stress that the nature of the administration of Gaza Strip and its institutions are an internal Palestinian matter to be determined by the national component of our people directly.”

The alliance added that they are working on an “urgent comprehensive national meeting” to discuss next steps after the ceasefire.

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Senate, affirmed that the Senate’s decision to repeal the “Caesar Act” sanctions represents a historic development in U.S.-Syria relations.

She described it as a significant step that offers Syria a genuine opportunity to achieve economic and political stability and transform into a regional hub of prosperity. Shaheen urged the House of Representatives to pass the legislation.

“The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the Senate includes my initiative to repeal the outdated Caesar sanctions on Syria. This is a historic milestone that will help Syrians recover from decades of conflict and move toward stability. It also includes my initiatives to counter the spread of Captagon, reopen the U.S. embassy in Damascus, and ensure adequate U.S. military presence in Syria for counterterrorism efforts,” Shaheen said in a statement published ,Friday, by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on its official website.

Shaheen added: “The Senate’s passage of this repeal followed intensive diplomatic efforts and bipartisan coordination to lift sanctions designed to hobble the Assad regime. It also builds on meetings with President Ahmad Al-Sharaa in Damascus and New York. This marks a historic milestone in U.S.-Syria relations and clears a pathway for Syrians to recover from decades of brutal dictatorship and conflict, while enhancing prospects for reducing Iranian and Russian influence and building a more peaceful and prosperous future.”

She pointed out that the Senate-passed NDAA includes provision to counter the production and distribution of Captagon and supports Syria’s efforts to halt drug and arms smuggling across its borders to neighboring countries such as Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon. The drug trade helped fuel Assad-era violence and criminality in Syria and bred instability across the region,”

The U.S. Senator stated that “the Bill includes provisions to encourage steps toward reopening the U.S. embassy in Damascus and ensuring adequate U.S. troop presence in Syria to counter terrorism. The embassy has been closed since 2012, and reopening it safely would deepen diplomatic relations, encourage private investment, and restore services for American citizens. Additionally, increased legislative oversight of U.S. troop levels will help prevent ISIS from exploiting Syria’s transitional phase.”

MHD Ibrahim

Residents of Manbij and a group of Syrian activists in Germany organized a solidarity event in support of the “Fazaa Manbij” campaign.

The initiative aims to raise funds for service, health, and educational projects in the city, and to contribute to the reconstruction of what was destroyed by the former regime.

The event, held in the German city of Dortmund, drew a large turnout from the Syrian community across various German cities and neighboring countries. It featured activities that reflected the spirit of solidarity and mutual support between Syrians abroad and those inside the country.

“The Fazaa Manbij event was designed to unify the voices of Syrians in exile and express their moral and national commitment to their cities and people back home. Every donation is a message of loyalty and belonging.” event host Ibrahim al-Samou said in a statement to SANA.

MHD Ibrahim

Qatar welcomed the adoption by the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), during its 110th session, of the resolution titled “Accelerated Destruction of Remaining Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic,” which was approved by consensus among member states.

“The broad consensus achieved on this resolution reflects the commitment of the States Parties to a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility, and the international community’s determination to move forward in closing this file, in a manner that strengthens the objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention,” Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday.

Qatar expressed its appreciation for Syria’s constructive cooperation with the OPCW during the related discussions, which contributed to the adoption of the resolution. It reaffirmed its full support for the OPCW’s efforts in fulfilling its mandate.

It also praised the constructive collaboration among States Parties in reaching this consensus, emphasizing the importance of continued collective action to ensure the complete elimination of any remaining chemical weapons and thereby reinforcing international peace and security.

MHD Ibrahim

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stressed, Friday, the importance of strengthening security cooperation between their countries and Syria, stressing the need for continued regional coordination to confront the threat posed by ISIS and to ensure stability along the borders of the three nations.

During a joint press conference in Ankara with his Iraqi counterpart, Minister Fidan stated that the region is facing significant challenges both regionally and internationally. He noted that Turkey continues its efforts to bolster security and stability in cooperation with neighboring countries, highlighting that coordination with Syria and Iraq is a key element in confronting terrorist threats.

Fidan underscored the importance of enhancing security and stability in the region, commending Iraq’s supportive stance on the unity of Syrian territory.

For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein noted that relations with Damascus are strong, with officials from both countries meeting regularly, He pointed to frequent meetings with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani, as well as a prior meeting between President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.

Hussein indicated that security coordination between the two sides includes reciprocal visits by relevant authorities, noting that regional coordination is underway to combat ISIS cells that threaten the security of Syria, Iraq, and the broader region.

MHD Ibrahim

Education Minister Mohammad Abdul Rahman Turko clarified that U.S. Senate’s vote in repealing the Caesar Act is important step toward national recovery and rebuilding Syria’s education system.

“lifting sanctions will allow access to modern technologies, improve schools and curricula, and strengthen cooperation with friendly countries’’ He noted.

Turko described the moment as a historic opportunity to launch comprehensive education reform, emphasizing that rebuilding education is a national project to restore hope and develop future generations.

Syria has welcomed the U.S. Senate’s adoption of a provision within the budget bill calling for the repeal of the so-called “Caesar Act,” which was imposed on the former regime due to its crimes.

The Syrian government affirmed that the continued enforcement of the act after the deposed regime has caused severe humanitarian and economic repercussions for the Syrian people and negatively impacted civilian life across various sectors.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates expressed, in a statement Friday, Syria’s appreciation for this responsible approach and extended its gratitude to the American legislative circles that recognized the importance of reassessing previous policies.

The ministry affirmed that this decision represents a constructive step toward correcting the course of bilateral relations with the United States, contributing to regional security and stability, and opening the door to promising opportunities for humanitarian and economic cooperation.

It noted that Syria looks forward to continuing constructive engagement and positive coordination with the U.S. Congress and government to complete the necessary steps for the full repeal of the Caesar Act.

The ministry described this shift as a strategically significant development, reflecting a qualitative change in the international community’s approach to the Syrian file. It paves the way for national recovery efforts, reconstruction, and economic revitalization, while also fostering a climate of trust and laying the foundation for a more stable and cooperative phase at both the regional and international levels.

Minister of Defense Major General Murhaf Abu Qasra affirmed, Friday, that the U.S. Senate’s vote in favor of repealing the Caesar Act constitutes a recognition of Syria’s return to its regional and international role, noting that the country is entering a new phase marked by reconstruction, stability, and progress.

“The U.S. Senate’s decision to repeal the Caesar Act is a clear and renewed acknowledgment of Syria’s return to its rightful place and its regional and global role.” Major General Abu Qasra stated on X.

He added: “A new chapter is opening for all national institutions, defined by work, reconstruction, and the consolidation of stability and Syria’s advancement.”

MHD Ibrahim

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that deepening and developing bilateral relations with Syria is achieved by forming joint committees to examine all outstanding issues, most importantly the agreements concluded between the two countries, which inevitably require reconsideration, study and evaluation.

In a post on X, the Lebanese precedency said :” Aoun informed Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani ,at their meeting in the Lebanese capital Beirut, that Lebanon is looking forward towards enhancing relations between Lebanon and Syria based on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and activating cooperation between the two countries in political, economic and security fields to achieve stability in both countries.

Aoun noted that the Syrian decision to suspend the work of Syrian Lebanese Higher Council requires the activation of diplomatic relations, adding that “in this frame, we’re waiting the appointment of a new Syrian ambassador to Lebanon to follow up all the issues through the Syrian and Lebanese embassies in Damascus and Bierut.  

He said:” we’ve a long way ahead, and when intentions are pure, the interests of our two brotherly countries will prevail over all considerations, and we have no choice but to agree on what guarantees this interest,” noting that the situations on the Syrian Lebanese borders is better than what it was earlier, and the issues that require treatment, as we’ve agreed upon with President Ahmad al-Sharaa during our two previous meeting in Cairo and Doha,  the most prominent of these are the issues of land and maritime borders, the gas pipeline, and the issue of detainees.

We will work to study all these issues based on the common interest”.

Tuhama alsaidi /Mazen Eyoun

Energy Minister Mohammad al-Bashir described the U.S. Senate’s vote in favor of repealing the Caesar Act as a significant step in advancing U.S. policy toward Syria.

In a post on the “X” platform, Al-Bashir said ‘’the step is crucial for reconstruction, development, and political and economic stability, offering hope to end years of humanitarian suffering’’.

The U.S. Senate passed the repeal by majority within the National Defense Authorization Act, responding to positive developments in Syria and constructive efforts to reopen cooperation with the United States based on mutual respect and shared interests.

The U.S. Senate voted by majority in favor of a provision within the Department of Defense budget bill that calls for repealing the “Caesar Act” by the end of this year, paving the way to end years of harsh economic sanctions imposed on Syria due to the practices of the deposed regime.

The “Syrian Civilian Protection Act,” commonly known as the “Caesar Act,” was enacted in late 2019, based on testimonies and leaked photos from inside the former regime’s detention centers documenting crimes against humanity. It came into force in 2020 as part of a series of U.S. sanctions aimed at pressuring the former regime, deepening its financial, economic, and political isolation, and punishing its supporters to halt its repressive practices against the Syrian people and force it to accept a political solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

Pressure on the Former Regime to Halt Its Crimes

The act mandated asset freezes and financial transaction bans, imposing ten-year economic sanctions on individuals and entities affiliated with the former regime and implicated in war crimes. It also prohibited financial dealings with influential figures connected to the regime and penalized any Syrian or foreign entity investing or engaging with it in sectors such as energy, aviation, construction, and banking.

The former regime attempted to circumvent the law through so-called reconstruction projects, but the act firmly sanctioned all participants in such initiatives. Exceptions were made to safeguard Syrian civilians, allowing humanitarian transactions related to food, medicine, and medical supplies.

A Pivotal Role for Syrian Diplomacy in Its Repeal

Syrian diplomacy played a central role in repealing the Caesar Act, relying on a gradual political strategy aimed at rebuilding international trust and dismantling the sanctions regime. It adopted a pragmatic, non-confrontational discourse focused on dialogue and openness, while emphasizing national sovereignty and rejecting foreign interference. This approach helped soften international stances, particularly within the U.S. Congress, which began reassessing the effectiveness of the sanctions.

The Syrian diplomacy also coordinated with the Syrian community in the United States, particularly through the Syrian-American Council, which lobbied members of Congress and submitted reports highlighting the humanitarian impact of the sanctions on the Syrian people. This contributed to a shift in the political climate in Washington.

Opening the Door to Rebuild What the Former Regime Destroyed

The repeal of the Caesar Act opens the door for foreign investors—especially from Arab and Western countries—to return to the Syrian market after years of isolation. It will accelerate the lifting of restrictions on vital sectors such as energy, construction, and banking, particularly in war-torn cities. Additionally, the influx of foreign currency is expected to stabilize the Syrian pound’s exchange rate, positively impacting citizens’ purchasing power.

Repealing the act will also ease money transfers from Syrians abroad to their families at home, bolstering the local economy. It will encourage community members to return or invest in development projects within Syria and motivate international relief organizations to expand their operations without fear of sanctions. These developments are expected to improve the economic situation and alleviate the daily hardships faced by Syrians.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, accompied by Justice Minister, Mazhar al-Weis, and cheif of General Intelligence Service, Hussein al-Salameh,met with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Beirut as part of an official visit to Lebanon.

The talks focused on bilateral relations and ways to strengthen joint cooperation between the two brotherly countries, as well as a number of political, economic and security issues of mutual interest.

Iraq republic welcomed the international and regional efforts which resulted in reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza Strip.

The Iraqi foreign ministry, in a statement published today, said:” Iraq fully supported all the efforts aiming to stop the war on the strip, relief citizens suffering, and work on creating the conditions that consecrate stability in the region”, insisting that this support comes to guarantee the legal Palestinian people rights according to the international legitimacy resolutions, to achieve its ambitions in establishing its independent state with Jerusalem its capital.

The ministry called for an immediate ceasefire and put an end to the Palestinian people suffering, with a guarantee to deliver humanitarian aid to all the affected people with no obstacles, which contributes to finding a supportive environment to achieve regional security and stability.

The announcement on reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza came at dawn today, after indirect negotiations between the concerned parties and regional and international mediators, which states putting an end to war on Gaza and the withdrawal of the occupation forces, in addition to guaranteeing the entry of humanitarian aids and the completion of the prisoner exchange deal.