SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

Israeli forces launched a new ground incursion into the village of Saida al-Hanout in Quneitra on Thursday night, marking the latest in Israel’s continued breaches of Syrian sovereignty.

SANA reporter in Quneitra said three Israeli vehicles crossed into the area and established a roadblock between Saida al-Hanout and the nearby al-Maghatera farms.

Earlier the same day, Israeli forces entered al-Samadaniyah al-Gharbiyah village and advanced from al-Burj in the city of Quneitra. Four vehicles then drove toward al-Samadaniyah al-Sharqiyah before continuing on to Tel Krum Jaba.

Israel’s incursions into Syrian territory violate the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, international law, and United Nations resolutions. Syria has consistently condemned the attacks and called on the international community to take firm action to stop them.

Lebanon’s Information Minister Paul Morcos said relations between Beirut and Damascus are entering a “new and promising phase,” with both sides pursuing efforts to handle unresolved issues through official channels and joint committees.

Speaking to the National News Agency, Morcos said the government is “turning a new page” with Syria and working to address pending issues. He added that he has formally requested the inclusion of the case of Lebanese photographer Samir Kassab—kidnapped in Syria in 2013—on the agenda of the Lebanese-Syrian joint committee.

Kassab, a photojournalist with Sky News Arabia, was abducted by ISIS along with his Mauritanian colleague Ishaq Mokhtar near the town of Andan in northern Aleppo province on Oct. 13, 2013.

Relations between Lebanon and Syria have seen renewed diplomatic engagement in recent months, marked by a series of high-level visits aimed at strengthening cooperation and rebuilding bilateral ties.

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), condemned the escalatory actions taken by Israeli officials, describing them as a grave infringement of Syria’s sovereignty.

Albudaiwi said ‘’the provocative entry of the Israeli Prime Minister and several government officials into the border region in southern Syria “constitutes an unacceptable violation.” He emphasized that “infringing the sovereignty of states or threatening their borders represents a breach of international legitimacy.”

He called on the international community to take immediate and responsible action to halt repeated Israeli violations and prevent the region from sliding into further tension that threatens both regional and international peace.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s consistent position on supporting Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and security in accordance with international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

France has called on Israel to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to withdraw from the occupied territories, following the Israeli Prime Minister’s entry into southern Syria with several government officials.

A spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry told Reuters on Thursday, “We are following developments in the Syrian Golan Heights with great concern, and we call for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and respect for Syria’s sovereignty and unity.”

Netanyahu’s move was condemned by Syria’s Foreign Ministry, which urged the international community to act to ensure Israel’s full withdrawal and a return to the 1974 disengagement agreement.

Jordan, Qatar, and Kuwait also criticized the move, describing it as a blatant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and a breach of international law and UN Security Council resolutions.

The scientific activities of the “ACADEMIA Conference – Syria 2025” opened In Damascus on Thursday focusing on the latest developments and cutting-edge technologies in cataract, cornea, keratoconus, refractive surgery, and glaucoma.

The conference is organized by Sinjab Academy in cooperation with Al-Mowasat University Hospital and the Surgical Eye Hospital and Eye Bank in Damascus, with the participation of doctors from inside and outside Syria.

The two-day event brings together Syrian and international specialists to discuss advances in eye surgery and treatment, as well as skill transfer and surgical training conducted at Al-Mowasat University Hospital and the Eye Surgical and Eye Bank Hospital. The program includes interactive sessions and keynote lectures delivered by globally recognized leaders in ophthalmology.

Officials said the conference is part of Syria’s broader effort to modernize medical education and healthcare by introducing digital technologies and artificial intelligence into diagnostics and treatment, while strengthening international partnerships.

Speakers emphasized the importance of the gathering in raising professional standards, training young doctors, and reinforcing Syria’s role within the global medical community. The program features workshops, lectures by regional and international experts, and an exhibition of medical equipment and scientific publications.

Organizers described the conference as a milestone in Syria’s post-war reconstruction, aimed at improving patient care and expanding access to the latest medical technologies.

Syria’s international furniture, home design, decoration, and home textiles fair opened Thursday evening at the Damascus Fairgrounds. The event is organized by the Arabian Group for Exhibitions and Conferences (AGE) and the Creators for Exhibitions and Conferences Company, in cooperation with Syria’s Ministry of Economy and Industry.

The event coincides with the launch of the 11th Syria HIGH TECH ICT exhibition. Featuring around 45 booths and representatives from Chinese, Turkish, and Jordanian companies, the expo offers visitors a look at the latest models, designs, and interior solutions.

Organizers say the exhibition provides opportunities for business partnerships, market expansion, and knowledge exchange, while showcasing modern trends in furniture and interior design.

The exhibition runs until November 24 and is open daily from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with free transportation provided from central Damascus

The Ministry of Culture and the Damascus Governorate celebrated World Children’s Day by organizing a Cultural Children’s Festival at the Governorate Club in Kafr Souseh under the slogan, “Building Awareness… Shaping the Future… To Grow, Flourish, and Create.”

The festival features broad participation from children, families, and community members, offering a variety of cultural, artistic, and sports activities.
Its program includes educational workshops, sports competitions, theater performances, art exhibitions, and interactive heritage exhibits, along with health awareness campaigns and activities designed for children with disabilities. Plays promoting the Arabic language and national identity, storytelling sessions, and musical performances are also part of the agenda.

Organizers said the festival reflects Syria’s commitment to providing a nurturing environment for creativity and talent, supporting the development of a generation capable of contributing to the nation’s reconstruction and future progress.

The 11th edition of the Information and Communications Technology Exhibition “Syria HIGH TECH” kicked off on Thursday evening at the Damascus Fairgrounds with the participation of 225 local, Arab, and international exhibitors.

The event, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Technology, highlights Syria’s ambitious plans to build a modern digital economy after years of war and sanctions.
Exhibitors are showcasing innovations in smart cities, e-government, electronic payments, artificial intelligence, and advanced software solutions.

Communications Minister Abdul Salam Haykal described the event as a “real opportunity” for service providers and tech firms to exchange expertise. He noted that the return of international companies to Syria will require “organized efforts to prepare the market,” though some firms have already begun opening offices in Damascus.

Finance Minister Mohamed Yisr Barnieh emphasized that digital transformation is central to Syria’s reconstruction strategy, pointing to new tax policies designed to encourage investment in technology and entrepreneurship.

In a sign of regional interest, Jordan’s Minister of Digital Economy Sami Smeirat led a delegation of 80 Jordanian companies seeking partnerships with Syrian counterparts to support digitalization and post-war recovery.

Exhibition director Hala Al-Shurbaji said the event serves as a “key platform” to present cutting-edge technologies in ICT and AI. The expo runs until November 24, featuring around 250 booths, with daily sessions open to the public

President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and his wife, Mrs. Latifa Al-Droubi, met on Thursday with a group of children of the martyrs and excellent students on the occasion of World Children’s Day.

The President and his wife listened to the children’s dreams, ambitions and the challenges they face, emphasizing the State’s commitment to making up for what its children have endured over the past years.

Several children expressed their desire to hold positions of responsibility in future, imagining themselves as ministers, each child sat on the minister’s seat to present their vision and future project.

Meanwhile, the President and his wife listened to their aspirations, affirming the State’s commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive environment that guarantees their rights and provides equal opportunities for their upbringing and education.

Mazen

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Thursday condemned the entry of the Israeli occupation’s Prime Minister and several ministers and officials from his government into southern Syria, stressing the need to halt Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and denunciation of the continued blatant violations by the Israeli occupation in the region, the latest of which include the aggressive attacks on Gaza and Khan Yunis, and the aggression on the sovereignty of the Syrian Arab Republic through the deliberate infiltration by the Israeli Prime Minister and several of his government officials into the border area of southern Syria,” Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement published on X platform.

The ministry emphasized the necessity of halting Israeli transgressions against Syrian territorial sovereignty and called for adherence to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement to ensure regional security and stability and to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.

Mazen Eyon

The Rebuilding Channels for Syria initiative, in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Daylight for All Organization, signed an implementation contract for a comprehensive project aimed at improving the quality of emergency services at Aleppo University Hospital. The agreement was concluded during an official meeting held on Thursday in Bonn, Germany.

The 24-month project includes the provision of advanced and modern medical equipment for the hospital’s anesthesia, surgery, and intensive care departments. It also features an extensive training program targeting physicians, nurses, technicians, and medical students to strengthen their skills in dealing with emergency cases under the challenging conditions of war and resource shortages.

The training component covers specialized workshops in anesthesia and resuscitation, head and neck trauma, orthopedic emergencies, critical internal medicine cases, working with limited equipment, radiation protection, and general surgery, with the participation of Syrian and German experts.

Mohammad Nour Al-Dagheem, Director of Rebuilding Channels for Syria initiative, stated that the signing of the contract marks a significant milestone in supporting the health sector in Syria—particularly in Aleppo, where emergency departments face heavy pressure. He noted that the project combines the provision of modern medical equipment with the training of medical staff to ensure sustainability and improved quality of care.

He added that the project will directly benefit hundreds of health-sector workers, while its indirect impact is expected to reach more than four million residents of Aleppo, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

Dr. Mawadda Suteif, head of the medical division at the initiative, emphasized that the project represents a pivotal step toward strengthening the hospital’s emergency system amid existing challenges and equipment shortages. She explained that intensive hands-on training will enhance the competency of medical personnel according to international best practices in resuscitation, trauma, surgery, and crisis management.

Dr. Iyad Dermesh, Director of Daylight for All, described the partnership as the organization’s fourteenth collaboration with GIZ in supporting the health sector. He reaffirmed the commitment to continuing similar projects that contribute to revitalizing medical services in Syria and enhancing the capacity of health institutions to deliver high-quality care.

“We are preparing practical and intensive training programs in partnership with experts from Syria and Germany to ensure sustainable skill development that directly improves emergency care for citizens,” he said.

This initiative comes as part of broader reconstruction support efforts and ongoing work to strengthen essential services in affected areas, contributing to the development of a more resilient and prepared health system.

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has officially reactivated its permanent mission to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on Thursday in The Hague.

The ministry announced in a press statement appointing Mohammad Katoub as Syria’s Permanent Representative to the organization.

Earlier this month, the Ministry announced that, following intensive diplomatic efforts over recent months, the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution with broad international support, receiving 151 votes in favor. The resolution highlights a stage of positive and advanced cooperation between the Syrian Arab Republic and the OPCW.

The Ministry noted in a press statement that the resolution welcomes the Syrian government’s efforts and its full and transparent cooperation with the OPCW, calls for continued international support, and underscores Syria’s commitment to constructive engagement aimed at enhancing transparency and rebuilding trust.

At the historic Qadam station in Damascus, the Hejaz Railway Museum is preserving the memory of one of the Middle East’s most ambitious transport projects.

It was established in 2008 to mark the centennial of the railway’s launch, the museum houses rare documents, maps, and equipment that trace the line’s history since 1908.

The Hejaz Railway once connected Damascus to Medina, passing through Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula.
It was built to ease pilgrimages and strengthen regional ties. The line stretched more than 1,300 kilometers and was considered a landmark feat of engineering.

Among the museum’s exhibits are Ottoman-era maps, vintage telephones used to coordinate train movements, and tickets for routes such as Damascus–Haifa.

Tools from maintenance workshops, lanterns, and Morse code telegraphs highlight the ingenuity that sustained the railway.

Though the museum suffered damage and looting during Syria’s years of war, restoration efforts are underway.
Curators say the project is not only about repairing artifacts but also about reviving cultural memory. “It is a bridge between past and present,” said museum official Manal Khalifa.

With its collection of rare documents and equipment, the Hejaz Railway Museum offers visitors a journey through time, keeping alive the echoes of steam engines that once made Damascus the gateway to the Hejaz.

Israeli occupation forces infiltrated Thursday into village of Samadaniyah Sharqiyah in Quneitra

SANA reporter said that an Israeli unit entered from Al-Burj point in the Quneitra sabotaged area, with four vehicles moving toward the village without setting up any checkpoints or stopping, later continuing toward Tal Kurum Jabba.

The Israeli occupation continues its assaults on Syrian territory in violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement, international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

Syria always condemns those assaults and calls on the international community to take a firm stance to stop them.

Mazen

Syrian Minister of Education, Mohammad Abdul Rahman Turko, emphasized that education is a constitutional right guaranteed by the state for every Syrian child. He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing a safe and balanced educational environment, ensuring access to education across all regions of the country.

The statement came during a meeting on Thursday at the Ministry headquarters in Damascus with Mar Moruis Amsih, Bishop of the Syriac Orthodox Diocese of Jazira and Euphrates. The two sides discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and religious authorities in support of educational development.

Minister Turko highlighted the Ministry’s focus on developing curricula, training staff, and supporting community initiatives that contribute to delivering education to all children, including those residing in remote areas.

Bishop Amsih expressed his appreciation for the Ministry’s role in supporting and advancing the educational process, stressing the importance of joint work between religious and civil institutions to serve future generations.

The meeting, is part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to enhance dialogue with all components of Syrian society and to reinforce education as a fundamental pillar for intellectual and moral development.

The first Syrian livestock ship departed Thursday from Tartous port, bound for Brazil, following its local conversion from a commercial ship into a dedicated livestock carrier, which is a first-of-its-kind achievement in the region.

Tartous port director Muawiya Hafyan said that the ship, built and re-fitted entirely by Syrian expertise, consists of nine decks and can accommodate up to 11,000 head of cattle. It is fully equipped according to international standards, with all safety measures in place for the crew and cargo.

The Officials highlighted that the re-design was completed in record time under the supervision of Syrian specialists, making the vessel compliant with European specifications.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Syrian ports, showcasing their technical and operational readiness to support the national economy and expand exports to new markets.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa received on Thursday Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon, Tarek Mitri, at the People’s Palace in Damascus.

The two sides discussed means of enhancing bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest.

Mazen

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support programs aimed at enhancing the work and capacities of Syrian diplomatic personnel.

The memorandum was signed on behalf of Syria by Yasser al-Jundi, Director of the Diplomatic Institute at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and on behalf of UNDP by Rohi Afghani, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Syria.

The agreement includes UNDP’s provision of training and technical support to improve the working environment for diplomats, as well as the application of modern methods in preparing a new generation of Syrian diplomats. This step represents the first stage in a broader framework of cooperation and joint work between the Ministry and UNDP.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network of the United Nations, operating in approximately 170 countries to assist nations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Syria has extended its warmest congratulations and best wishes to the sisterly Sultanate of Oman—its leadership, government and people—on the occasion of the National Day, which coincides on November 20th.

On this occasion, the Ministry expressed Syria’s pride in the strong fraternal ties that bind it with the Sultanate of Oman, and its keenness on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various fields in a way that serves the interests of both countries and peoples, and contributes to supporting joint Arab action.

The Ministry conveyed the Syrian Arab Republic’s wishes to the Sultanate of Oman for continued prosperity and progress, and to its noble people security, stability and development.

The Omani people celebrate their National Day on November 20, which marks an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey of development and rise across multiple sectors, reaffirming its regional and international position.

Mazen Eyon