SANA - Syrian Arab News Agency

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced it requires $1 billion to close the funding gap in its 2026–2027 budget, after reducing its previously approved spending plan from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion when the United States halted its financial support early in 2025.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) quoted WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as saying during a briefing to member states on Tuesday that “the current year was among the hardest in the Organization’s history, due to a massive restructure and setting priorities which resulted in a big reduction in workforce.”

He noted the Organization has so far secured 75 percent of the required funding for the upcoming budget, but still faces a $1 billion deficit.

Ghebreyesus explained — in paraphrased form — that cost-cutting measures reduced the number of eliminated jobs from 2,900 to 1,282, while 1,089 staff left voluntarily through retirement or contract expiration. He added that declining international contributions forced thousands of health facilities to scale back services in the most vulnerable regions.

He further stated in direct quotation that “the increase in member states’ mandatory contributions by 20 percent last May was not enough to compensate for the shortage,” noting that WHO continues to rely heavily on voluntary funding from countries and donors.

The report said U.S. President Donald Trump, whose country had been the largest donor to the UN health agency, halted funding upon returning to the White House in January 2025, forcing the Organization to reduce its already approved budget from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion.

WHO’s financing depends on a combination of assessed contributions from member states and voluntary contributions, the latter constituting the bulk of its budget. With the renewed U.S. funding cutoff, the Organization faces broad financial pressures affecting its relief and health programs, particularly in low-income countries that rely on WHO support to operate health facilities, conduct vaccination campaigns and respond to epidemics.

Finance Minister Mohamed Yisr Barnieh met with a high-level World Bank delegation headed by Ousmane Dione, the Bank’s Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, to discuss ways of strengthening the Bank’s support for Syria and broadening the scope of cooperation.

The meetings, held at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Damascus, covered a series of key files and program areas in which the Bank may provide assistance. Discussions focused on identifying priority sectors for support, financing mechanisms and the provision of technical assistance in a framework of transparency and clarity.

The talks were attended by Jean-Christophe Carret, Director for the Middle East Department at the World Bank. Participants reviewed the outcomes of the Bank’s internal discussions during and after the recent annual meetings and their implications for future operations in Syria. They also followed up on developments in ongoing projects related to electricity and public financial management.

Both sides examined the possibility of initiating new projects, particularly in the electricity sector, in addition to ways of expanding technical assistance in public finance and debt-management fields.

The visit is scheduled to conclude with the preparation of a joint comprehensive strategic paper that is expected to be issued by the end of the year. The document will outline the framework for future cooperation and proposed support programs, reflecting the World Bank’s stated commitment to accompany Syria’s development and reconstruction efforts.

This visit underscores the Bank’s interest in maintaining channels of cooperation with the Syrian Arab Republic and advancing joint work that contributes to strengthening the economy and improving living conditions for the Syrian people.

The General Authority for Land and Sea Border Ports has completed extensive rehabilitation and development works at the Nasib Border Crossing between Syria and Jordan, improving infrastructure and upgrading essential facilities to enhance services and streamline movement for passengers and trucks.

Mohammad Zaidan, Director of the Public Relations Office at the crossing, said in a statement to SANA on Thursday that the development plan carried out over recent months “completely transformed the crossing”, after infrastructure was restored, arrival and departure halls renovated, and a new hall dedicated to tourist vehicles constructed.
He explained that the upgrades increased the crossing’s daily capacity from 10,000–13,000 travelers to 40,000, supported by expanded facilities and the introduction of modern electronic systems that speed up entry and exit procedures.

Zaidan noted that modifications to the freight yards boosted commercial movement by expanding and organizing lanes, raising the number of trucks passing through the crossing to more than 1,300 per day, reducing waiting times and facilitating the flow of goods between Syria and Jordan.
A civilian traveler, Mohammad Rateb Abdullah, said the improvements represent a clear shift from previous years, noting that services are better, infrastructure is more prepared, and procedures inside the crossing have become more cooperative and efficient.

The Nasib Border Crossing is considered one of the most important land gateways in the region due to its strategic position on the international highway linking the Levant with the Gulf states. For years, it has served as a main passage point for travelers and commercial freight, making it a central pillar for overland trade and the movement of goods between Syria, Jordan and regional markets.

Syria’s national judo team claimed five gold medals and one silver on the opening day of the West Asia and Clubs National Teams Championship, held in the Jordanian capital Amman.

Haitham al-Salehi and Qusay Batman secured gold in the under-20 category under the Kata Bilnaki Nokata system. Sandra Obeid and Raed al-Rahwan won gold in the under-20 mixed category using the Kata Naki Nokata system.

In the over-21 men’s category, Mohammed Nour Kalkal and Raed al-Rahwan won the silver in the Kata Naki Nokata system. Meanwhile, Anwar al-Salehi and Mufid Baroudi won three gold medals in the men’s division across three kata systems: Gunokata, Kimi Nokata and Kodokan Junsito.

The “Fajr al-Qusayr” fundraising campaign has raised $10.081 million to support rehabilitate key services and development projects in the al-Qusayr area, southwestern Homs.

The event, held on Wednesday evening, is part of local efforts to engage the community in rehabilitating damaged infrastructure and restoring key public services, particularly as tens of thousands of residents return to their homes following the liberation.

Governor of Homs, Abdulrahman al-Ama, praised the resilience and determination of the city’s residents in his speech at the campaign launch. He emphasized that initiatives like this reflect the community’s role in supporting the state’s reconstruction efforts after years of war.

He also highlighted progress in restoring service facilities, including the rehabilitation of 97 schools over the past ten months.

Bassam Idris, coordinator of the “Fajr al-Qusayr” campaign, noted that the initiative is a result of collaboration between civil and public organizations to help residents restore what was destroyed and strengthen social bonds.

Hassan Mohibeddin, director of the al-Qusayr area, stated that approximately 165,000 citizens have returned to the city and its countryside, now representing around 70 percent of its original population. He stressed the urgent need to improve services and infrastructure to meet the growing demand.

It is worth noting that al-Qusayr suffered extensive infrastructure damage during the war, prompting several community-driven initiatives to support reconstruction and improve basic services.

The “Fajr al-Qusayr” campaign is one of several similar initiatives taking place across Syria, aiming to strengthen social solidarity and rehabilitate neighborhoods affected by the violence and shelling of the former regime during the revolution.

Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, condemned Israeli incursions into Syrian territory as illegal, stating that they undermine Syria’s efforts to maintain regional stability. Olabi reaffirmed that Syria’s resolve to protect its sovereignty remains firm, despite ongoing Israeli actions.

Speaking to Al-Ikhbariya TV following a UN Security Council session, Olabi reiterated that Syria has consistently pursued diplomacy and dialogue, a path it remains committed to despite provocations from Israel.

Syria’s Strategic Patience

Olabi emphasized Syria’s policy of restraint, avoiding direct confrontation while strengthening its international position through diplomatic channels. He pointed out that Syria’s strategic patience, particularly after the liberation, has placed Israel in a politically vulnerable position, isolating it while bolstering Syria’s diplomatic standing.

U.S. Support for Syria

Olabi also highlighted U.S. efforts to exert pressure on Israel, particularly following President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s recent visit to Washington. He noted that the United States has supported Syria through its sponsorship of key UN resolutions, particularly those addressing human rights and the Golan Heights.

The resolution on the Golan Heights reaffirmed Syria’s sovereignty over the territory and called on Israel to comply with international law. The resolution received broad international support, further pressuring Israel to end its occupation of the Golan.

Syria participated in the Fourth International Food Security Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Wednesday, aiming to address the significant food security challenges exacerbated by the war.

Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh and Agriculture Minister Dr. Amjad Badr attended the summit.

During his speech, Minister al-Saleh highlighted the severe impact of the conflict, particularly the contamination of vast areas with mines and unexploded ordnance, which continues to hinder agricultural production and food security in Syria.

The ministers also explored opportunities to leverage Ukraine’s expertise in demining and technological solutions. This collaboration could help support Syria’s National Center for Mine Clearance and aid in the rehabilitation of agricultural lands.

On the sidelines of the summit, Minister al-Saleh and Minister Badr met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and explore potential cooperation in mine clearance and post-war recovery, with a focus on rehabilitating agricultural land.

The summit, held under the theme “Food from Ukraine,” serves as a key platform for enhancing global food security, particularly amid the growing crises caused by conflicts and climate change.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani received on Wednesday the Qatari Ambassador to Damascus, Khalifa Abdullah Al-Mahmoud, who presented a copy of his credentials as Qatar’s new Ambassador to Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his country’s commitment to supporting Syria’s security, stability, and future development, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the two neighboring countries in safeguarding regional peace.

According to the Anadolu Agency, Erdogan stated on Wednesday during an address to the parliamentary group of the Justice and Development Party (AKP): “We will once again stand with our brothers in rebuilding and reconstructing Syria. We will grow together in Syria and Turkey. Remember that Syria’s security is our security.”

He added that Syrians living in Turkey today “are our guests,” stating that those who fled the conflict “rose up to defend their dignity,” and that their presence added “honor to the nation” through their resilience.

Erdogan had similarly stated on Monday, following a meeting of the Turkish cabinet, that Turkey would continue working in the coming period to establish lasting peace and stability in Syria, through dialogue with all relevant regional actors. He expressed satisfaction with Syria’s recent steps toward restoring its international relations.

The Port of Lattakia has received the vessel LADY MIA, carrying 3,800 tons of urea fertilizer, port authorities said Wednesday.

The General Authority for Land and Sea Ports said in a statement on Telegram that unloading operations are moving quickly, with the cargo being transferred directly onto trucks for distribution to meet domestic market demand.

Urea is one of the most widely used nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture, valued for its high nitrogen content that promotes plant growth and increases crop yields.

Bana al-abed, a 15-year-old Syrian activist and survivor of the 2016 Aleppo siege, has been awarded the 2025 International Children’s Peace Prize, the world’s most prestigious recognition for young changemakers. The award was presented during a distinguished ceremony at Stockholm’s historic City Hall by Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist Tawakkol Karman of Yemen.

The prize recognizes Bana’s tireless efforts to support children affected by conflict, including reuniting displaced children with their families, rebuilding schools, and promoting education and advocacy initiatives that provide hope for future generations.

Now residing in Turkey, Bana has emerged as a leading voice for children in warzones, advocating for peace, justice, and access to education. Having lived through the siege of Aleppo, she witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by conflict, losing loved ones including her best friend, Yasmine. These experiences strengthened her determination to defend children’s rights and ensure that no child suffers as she and her peers did.

Bana began her activism at a young age, documenting the realities of war through diaries, blogs, and social media. Her “Stand with Aleppo” campaign, which called for the lifting of the siege affecting over 360,000 civilians, gained international attention and support, including recognition from French President Emmanuel Macron. Bana became widely known as the “Icon of Aleppo,” highlighting the urgent need for global action to protect children in conflict.

Beyond advocacy, Bana has undertaken concrete initiatives to address the needs of affected children. She has focused on reuniting 5,000 missing Syrian children with their families, reopening schools destroyed by the conflict, and providing displaced youth with access to education and safe housing.

In addition to her humanitarian work, Bana is an accomplished author and speaker. Her books, Dear World and My Name is Bana, translated into 15 languages, provide a firsthand account of life during the Syrian war. She has contributed to global publications, participated in documentaries such as Voices from Syria, and conducted workshops for refugee children in Turkey and Jordan, offering both educational and psychological support.

Commenting on her award, Bana stated: “Peace is not a luxury. The world must listen to us. Our childhood has been stolen due to wars and conflicts. We want peace, and to those children who are suffering in the wars, you are not alone.”

By winning the International Children’s Peace Prize, Bana received the Nkosi Statuette, the Desmond Tutu Study and Care Grant, and €75,000 to support her projects, with €50,000 allocated to her initiatives and €25,000 directed by KidsRights to other young changemakers advocating for children’s rights.

Marc Dullaert, chair of the expert committee and founder of KidsRights, praised Bana’s contributions, stating: “Bana embodies the spirit of courage, resilience, and commitment to justice that the International Children’s Peace Prize represents. Despite immense challenges, she has transformed her experiences into a platform for advocacy, inspiring the global community to protect the millions of children affected by conflict.”

Bana joins the ranks of distinguished past laureates, including Malala Yousafzai, Greta Thunberg, and Nkosi Johnson, continuing a legacy of youth-led global change. Her achievements highlight the importance of international solidarity in addressing the needs of children in conflict zones and promoting a peaceful future for all.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip said late Wednesday that at least 25 people were killed and more than 77 others were injured in an afternoon wave of Israeli strikes on the territory.

According to the ministry, the casualties arrived at hospitals across Gaza throughout the evening, with medical officials warning that some of the wounded are in critical condition.

Since the ceasefire in Gaza on October 11, 2025, the ministry reported a total of 280 deaths, 672 injuries, in Israeli attacks.

The Dutch organization Kids Rights and the Global Childhood Forum have nominated the Syrian girl Bana al-Abed, also known as the “Icon of Aleppo,” for the 2025 International Children’s Peace Prize, in recognition of her role in raising global awareness about the suffering of Syrian children by documenting her life amid the destruction.

Bana, currently residing in Turkey, has made it to the top three finalists for this prestigious global award, which recognizes individual initiatives by children from dozens of countries, particularly those who have played key roles in education, climate action, and justice. She will participate in the final ceremony held today.

Who is Bana Al-Abed?

Born: 2009, in the Al-Shaar neighborhood in eastern Aleppo.

Early Story: Her journey began when she created a X account (formerly known as Twitter) in September 2016 with the help of her mother, an English teacher.

First Tweet: “I want peace,” followed by posts in English describing daily life and the suffering of residents under the bombing and siege by the former regime.

Impact: She documented the city’s suffering through the lens of childhood innocence, calling on world leaders to act for peace in Syria.

Reaction from Assad: In an October 6, 2016 interview with a Danish channel, Bashar al-Assad dismissed her as “a propaganda tool and a media play.”

Escape from Aleppo: At age seven, Bana and her family left the besieged neighborhood on December 19, 2016, and arrived in Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed them two days later.
Achievements and Recognition

Became a global symbol, attracting worldwide attention and interactions, including from the British author of the Harry Potter series, who gifted her digital copies of her books.

Published her memoirs in English through an American publishing house in 2017 and delivered speeches at the United Nations and the European Parliament.

TIME Magazine listed her among the 25 most influential people on the internet in 2017, making her the first Syrian child to enter this list.

2018: Received the Freedom Award from the Atlantic Council for advocating freedom, dignity, and human rights; the Rising Star Award for young Asians with global impact; and the Arab Woman Award – Youth Achievement Category for creativity and social influence.

Honored at the 90th Academy Awards in Los Angeles in March 2018.
2019: Awarded the Princess Diana Award, one of the UK’s top youth honors for inspiring young people worldwide.

Bana expressed her gratitude on Facebook:
“I am extremely grateful and honored to be one of the three finalists for the 2025 International Children’s Peace Prize. This means so much to me and to every child who dreams of peace, safety, and school instead of war. Thank you to everyone who believes in me and a peaceful future for children.”

President Ahmad al-Sharaa received on Wednesday the World Bank’s Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa region, Ousmane Dione, in Damascus along with his accompanying delegation, in the presence of Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa received Sheikh Manea Hamidi al-Jarba, the leader of the Shammar tribe, at the People’s Palace on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the latest developments in the eastern region and the efforts aimed at fully integrating the region into Syrian state institutions and the national structure.

Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry, Nidal al-Shaar announced Wednesday the formation of the Syrian-Chinese Business Council, according to a copy of the decision received by SANA from the Ministry. The move reflects ongoing efforts to organize and expand the country’s economic cooperation with China.

The decision also stipulates appointing Fadi Ali Al-Mohimeed as council head and Makram Samir Shattahi as deputy.

According to the ministry, the council will operate under the regulations governing Syria’s joint business councils with countries worldwide. The decision takes effect immediately and is being communicated to the relevant authorities.

The ministry added that forming the council aligns with Syria’s strategic direction to deepen and broaden its partnership with China. It said the new body is meant to create an organized institutional framework to advance bilateral cooperation, stimulate trade, and attract direct Chinese investment into priority Syrian sectors including reconstruction, energy, infrastructure, and technology.

Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ibrahim Olabi, said on Wednesday that Syria has been a nation whose cities were systematically destroyed by a regime that committed heinous massacres and turned the country into a battleground for international rivalries through incitement and terrorism.

“The Syrians walked over the roofs of prisons, and for many young people, their only dream was to flee the country,” Olabi said at a Security Council session.

He emphasized that the regime’s destructive influence extended beyond Syria’s borders, destabilizing the region and undermining global peace.

The Syrian diplomat added that the deposed regime turned Syria’s border crossings into conduits for regional harm and economic sabotage.

“Despite widespread displacement, Syrians have continued to mobilize international support for their country across legal, humanitarian and political fronts,” Olabi said.

He criticized Israel’s ongoing interference in Syria’s domestic affairs, asserting that Syria poses no threat to neighboring countries and reaffirms its sovereign right over all of its territory.

Olabi stressed that Syria condemnes the recent visit by “the Israeli Prime Minister” to southern Syria as a violation of Syrian sovereignty.

In the same context, Deputy UN Special Envoy to Syria, Najat Rochdi, echoed calls for international support, stating that lifting all sanctions on Syria would contribute significantly to its stability and reconstruction. Rochdi also urged Israel to cease its violations of Syrian territory.

China’s representative, Fu Cong, also expressed support for Syria’s development path aligned with its national aspirations.

He called for the removal of all unilateral sanctions and reaffirmed China’s stance that Golan is an occupied territory, demanding Israel’s withdrawal from the Syrian lands.

Russia’s representative, Vasily Nebenzya, underscored that Syria’s territorial integrity must be the foundation of any future decisions.

He called for broad international solidarity to lift sanctions and urged Israel to adhere to the disengagement agreement with Syria.

Syria strongly condemned the illegal visit made by the Israeli occupation’s Prime Minister, along with Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs and a number of occupation officials to the southern region of the Syrian Arab Republic, Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.

The Ministry described the move as a serious violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“We affirm that the visit represents a new attempt to impose a de facto situation that contradicts relevant UN Security Council resolutions and falls within the occupation’s policies aimed at consolidating its aggression and continuing its violations of Syrian territory,” the statement said.

It affirmed that Syria reiterates its firm demand for the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from Syrian lands and confirms that all measures taken by the occupation in southern Syria are null and void and carry no legal effect under international law.

“We call on the international community to assume its responsibilities, deter the occupation’s practices and compel it to fully withdraw from southern Syria and return to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement,” the statement added.

Mazen Eyon

Head of General Authority of Civil Aviation, Omar al-Hussary, discussed on Wednesday with Brazilian aerospace industry Company Embraer’s officials cooperation to develop Syria’s airlines fleet.

According to a statement from the Civil Aviation Authority on its Telegram channel, the meeting took place on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025. Sameh Orabi, the General Director of Syrian Airlines, also attended the meeting.

The two sides discussed opportunities for cooperation and explored ways to develop the Syrian Airlines fleet and improve air transport in line with the Authority’s long-term vision.

They also reviewed the latest technologies and solutions offered by Embraer in the aerospace industry.

The meeting is part of Syria’s efforts to develop its air transport sector, which has faced significant setbacks over the past decade due to the war and the economic sanctions imposed on the former regime

Minister of Transport Yarub Badr discussed, via video conference today, ways to strengthen technical and professional cooperation with representatives of the German Friedrich Naumann Foundation to support and develop Syria’s transport sector.

Badr outlined priority areas requiring technical support, noting that cooperation with the foundation marks a qualitative step for the sector due to its extensive experience in research and technical assistance that can improve service quality and institutional performance.

Representatives of the foundation affirmed their readiness to provide technical and professional support, including contributions to studies and research aimed at developing policies and executive plans for the transport sector.

Both sides agreed to organize specialized workshops on strengthening public administration, promoting sustainable transport concepts, implementing digital transformation, and supporting public–private partnership mechanisms. They also reviewed future cooperation mechanisms to advance sector development.

Participants from the Ministry of Transport included Sinan al-Khair, adviser for sustainable transport; Ria Arafat, adviser for digital transformation; and Iyad al-Asaad, director of international cooperation. From the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, the meeting was attended by Christopher Klemenz, head of the Beirut office, along with Nasser Bouzan and Mai al-Masri.

The meeting comes within the ministry’s efforts to expand cooperation with international institutions and benefit from global expertise in developing infrastructure and services in line with national development plans.