Damascus
Trump will host Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, at the White House. This is the first official visit of a Syrian president to the United States in 25 years, marking a new stage in relations between Washington and Damascus.
The Israel Defense Forces announced that the first seven hostages captured on October 7, 2023, have been handed over to Hamas. Another 13 people will be released during the day.
Israel has moved closer to retrieving the remains of intelligence officer Eli Cohen, executed in Syria in 1965. This issue could be resolved as part of negotiations between Damascus and Tel Aviv regarding de-escalation of tensions.
The US Senate voted to lift sanctions against Syria, imposed under the "Caesar Act. " Damascus viewed the move as a "historic moment," and Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa called it a major breakthrough.
On October 5, Syria held its first elections after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024. Citizens elected two-thirds of the 210 members of parliament through indirect voting.
Voting began in Syria on October 5 for the first parliamentary elections since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The voting is indirect, with 6,000 voters electing new members of parliament.
Ukraine and Syria signed a joint communiqué on the resumption of diplomatic relations. This happened after the fall of the Assad regime and Syria's recognition of the occupied territories of Ukraine.
Israel attacked the outskirts of Homs, Latakia, and Palmyra. The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the strikes as a "flagrant violation" of sovereignty.
After the fall of the Assad regime, 850,000 refugees returned to Syria. The UN predicts this number will rise to one million within weeks.
A meeting between representatives of Syria and Israel, mediated by the US, took place in Paris to de-escalate tensions. A truce in Suweida, stabilization of southern Syria, and the restoration of the 1974 agreement were discussed.
France's Court of Cassation has overturned a French arrest warrant for former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, citing presidential immunity. However, since Assad is no longer president, new arrest warrants can be issued against him, and the investigation into the case may continue.
Discontent is growing in the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his actions, including strikes on Syria and the shelling of a church in Gaza. American officials believe his behavior could undermine Trump's efforts and is too destructive.
Armed Bedouin clans announced their withdrawal from the Druze-majority city of Sweida after a week of clashes and a US-brokered ceasefire. This allowed humanitarian convoys to begin arriving in the affected city.
Syrian security forces have begun deploying in As-Suwayda province to protect the population and end the chaos. This comes after intercommunal violence that has led to the deaths of over 700 people.
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack announced a ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel, supported by Turkey and Jordan. The truce was declared after Israeli airstrikes on Syria and the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the Suweida region.
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the United States did not support recent Israeli strikes on Syria, expressing dissatisfaction and working towards de-escalation. Washington calls on Syrian authorities to engage in dialogue for integration.
Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has declared the protection of the Druze community a priority following reports of troop withdrawals from As-Suwayda. This comes after Israeli airstrikes on Damascus and amid inter-communal clashes that have resulted in over 350 deaths.
Syrian media report a new Israeli airstrike on the presidential palace in Damascus. The military does not comment on the latest incident, which occurred after a previous strike on the Syrian military headquarters.
Israel reportedly struck the headquarters of the Syrian armed forces in Damascus. This occurred after statements by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz regarding the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Suweida, where clashes are ongoing.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Syria on July 5, restoring diplomatic relations after 14 years. The visit took place eight months after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime, where Lammy met with the transitional president and foreign minister.
20 people were killed and 60 wounded in the terrorist attack at St. Elijah's Church near Damascus. The Islamic State terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the attack.
A suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus has left at least 20 dead and over 50 injured. The suicide bomber, a member of the 'Islamic State', opened fire and detonated explosives.
A suicide bomber carried out an explosion in the crowded St. Elijah Church in the Dwelaa district of Damascus. Syrian security forces surrounded the incident site.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior has detained Wasim al-Assad, a cousin of the overthrown president Bashar al-Assad, who is considered one of the biggest drug traffickers and war criminals. He is accused of involvement in drug trafficking and support for the regime, which led to sanctions from the US and EU.
Copenhagen has overtaken Vienna as the world's most livable city, receiving perfect scores for stability, infrastructure, and education. Vienna lost its lead due to a decline in its security score.
The US has reopened the ambassador's residence in Damascus after a 12-year break in diplomatic relations. This indicates a warming of relations between the US and Syria. Representatives of the two countries signed an agreement on energy development.
Unknown armed men attacked Russian military checkpoints around the Khmeimim airbase. The Syrian monitoring center reported unprecedented tension in the area.
The Syrian leader offered Trump to lift sanctions in exchange for access to mineral resources and the construction of the Trump Tower in Damascus. He also offered to allow the United States to develop Syrian mineral resources.
On the night of May 3, Israel struck military facilities, anti-aircraft guns and missile infrastructure in Syria. One person died and four others were injured.
The Israeli Air Force struck the territory of Hussein al-Sharaa's palace in Damascus. The government stated that this is a signal to the Syrian regime regarding the prevention of threats to the Druze minority.