Middle East latest: German and French foreign ministers seek ‘new beginning’ with Syria
Written by on January 3, 2025
[[{“value”:”
The top diplomats from Germany and France were in Syria on Friday to send what the German minister called a clear signal that a “political new beginning” between Europe and Syria is possible after the ouster of Bashar Assad.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, were expected to meet the leader of the group that toppled Assad, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and representatives of Syrian civil society.
Baerbock said there can be a “new beginning” only if the new Syrian society gives all people, regardless of ethnic or religious group, “a place in the political process” as well as rights and protection.
Israeli airstrikes on Thursday and Friday killed at least 50 people in Gaza, including an attack on a sprawling tent camp that Israel has repeatedly bombed despite designating it a humanitarian safe zone. Israel said that the strike targeted a high-ranking police officer, and blames Hamas for civilian deaths.
The Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who say women and children make up more than half the fatalities. The officials don’t distinguish between civilians and combatants in their tally.
The war was sparked by Hamas-led militants’ attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. They killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250 that day. Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third believed to be dead.
___
Here’s the latest:
BEIRUT — Lebanon’s army said Friday that a clash occurred along the Lebanese-Syrian border in the east when Syrians attempted to reopen an illegal border crossing using a bulldozer.
Lebanese army personnel fired warning shots, prompting the Syrians to open fire, wounding one soldier. Following the incident, army units in the area implemented strict security measures, and the incident is under investigation, the Lebanese army said.
Meanwhile, Syria’s de facto leadership under the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham announced new entry regulations for Lebanese citizens. Lebanese travelers must secure a residence permit or a Syrian sponsor and provide proof of funds worth $2,000 and a hotel booking. Previously, Lebanese citizens were allowed to enter with just a Lebanese ID card.
DAMASCUS — French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited the long-shuttered French Embassy in Damascus on Friday as part of the first visit to Syria by top diplomats from European Union countries following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad by opposition rebels.
Barrot and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock are expected to meet with Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Islamist former insurgent group that is now the de facto ruling party in Syria.
“It was with great emotion that I am today at the site of the French Embassy in Damascus,” Barrot said as he inspected the damage that occurred at the embassy during 13 years of closure.
“A little less than a month ago, new hope was born thanks to the mobilization of Syrians, the hope of a sovereign, stable and peaceful Syria,” he said. “It is a real hope, but it is a fragile hope.”
Barrot earlier visited the Christian neighborhood of Bab Touma and met with Patriarch John Yaziji.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — At least 30 people, including children, were killed in Gaza by strikes overnight, hospital staff said Friday.
Staff at the Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital said that 10 women and seven children were among those killed in strikes on various locations in Central Gaza, including Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi and Deir al Balah.
The strikes come a day after dozens of people were killed across the enclave, bringing the total of fatalities since Thursday to 56.
The strikes on Thursday hit Hamas security officers and an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone.
The Israeli army, which didn’t immediately comment on the strikes, says it only targets militants and blames Hamas for civilian deaths.
JERUSALEM — The Israeli military says a missile fired from Yemen has set off air raid sirens in Jerusalem and central Israel.
The attack early Friday woke millions of people and sent people scrambling to air raid shelters.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, though a faint explosion, likely either from the missile or from interceptors, could be heard in Jerusalem.
The Israeli Defense Forces later reported that a missile launched from Yemen into Israeli territory was intercepted. A report was received regarding shrapnel from the interception that fell in the area of Modi’in in central Israel. The details are under review.
Israel has carried out a number of long-range airstrikes in Yemen, about 2,000 kilometers (1,200 miles) away. But the strikes have failed to stop the attacks. The Houthis have pledged to continue striking Israel until the war in Gaza ends.
Brought to you by www.srnnews.com“}]]
