Two Republican members of the U.S. Congress visited Damascus, Syria, on an unofficial trip organized by a Syrian-American nonprofit. They met with government officials and visited sites damaged by the civil war, including a historic synagogue and a Christian neighborhood. The U.S. has not officially recognized the current Syrian government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa. The Congress members discussed the possibility of lifting sanctions and the need for a democratically elected society in Syria.
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas visited Syria to strengthen Palestinian-Syrian relations and discuss regional developments, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and efforts to reach a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Syrian-Palestinian refugees have traditionally had more rights in Syria compared to Lebanon, where they face numerous restrictions. The Yarmouk refugee camp, once a symbol of the Palestinian diaspora, was largely destroyed in the war.
The U.S. State Department issued a warning against U.S. citizens visiting Syria citing credible information about potential imminent attacks. Israel’s relationship with Syria remains tense, with Israeli forces seizing a buffer zone inside Syria and launching airstrikes on military facilities. The Syrian government has publicly stated they do not seek conflict with Israel, but Israeli officials view the current Islamist leadership in Damascus with suspicion. Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to enhance cooperation between Syria and Palestine across various sectors.
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