A senior Syrian official appeared to signal openness to normalising relations with Israel, Middle East Eye reported on May 15th.
In an interview with Kan News, a journalist asked Ali al-Rifai, director of public relations at Syria’s information ministry, whether Syria might join the Abraham Accords. The accords, led several Arab states to formally recognise Israel. In response, Rifai stated: “Peace with everyone, without exception,” adding that Syria aims to promote regional peace and avoid more conflict after years of civil war.
Despite these remarks, Rifai also voiced firm opposition to continued Israeli military presence on Syrian territory. He made clear that Syria does not want any party attacking its land. He also insisted that Israeli forces must leave areas they recently captured.
His comments followed a high-profile meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh. During the meeting, Trump encouraged Syria to normalise relations with Israel.
On May 7th, Al-Monitor via Reuters reported, as cited by Levantis, that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa confirmed indirect negotiations with Israel during a press conference in Paris with France’s president Emmanuel Macron.
Al-Sharaa stated the talks aim to reduce tensions. The UAE denied involvement in the talks despite speculation. The announcement follows intensified Israeli airstrikes in Syria. Al-Sharaa’s remarks mark his first major diplomatic move since he took office.
Syria’s recent reforms under Ahmed al-Sharaa’s leadership signal a broader policy shift reflecting the regime’s evolving ideological and strategic priorities, as noted by Levantis on March 27th.
Additionally, on May 13th, Al Jazeera reported that U.S. President Donald Trump had declared the decision to lift sanctions on Syria during a visit to Saudi Arabia. The announcement sparked public celebrations in Damascus and raised hopes for economic recovery.
Al Jazeera, Al-Monitor via Reuters, Levantis, Middle East Eye
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