Syria engages in indirect talks with Israel to stop attacks
- Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa announced that his government is conducting indirect talks with Israel to halt Israeli attacks.
- The discussions aim to assure adherence to the 1974 disengagement agreement between Syria and Israel.
- The ongoing negotiations could impact the future dynamics and security in the region.
In a recent news conference held in Paris, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa disclosed that his government is engaged in indirect negotiations with Israel aimed at terminating ongoing Israeli assaults on Syrian territory. These talks are being facilitated through various mediators to stabilize the situation and prevent escalation between the two nations. Al-Sharaa emphasized the necessity of pressuring Israel to comply with the 1974 disengagement agreement brokered by the United Nations, which mandates a clear boundary separating Syria from the occupied Golan Heights. This situation follows a period of heightened tensions, especially after the downfall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December. Since that event, Israel has reportedly expanded its territorial incursions in Syria while executing multiple strikes targeting military capabilities, motivated by security concerns regarding potential threats from the region. Israeli officials have stated that their military presence in Syria will persist indefinitely despite the initial characterization of their operations as temporary. The Israeli interventions have faced criticism for violating the established 1974 agreement, as Al-Sharaa highlighted that Syria remains committed to this accord. Reports indicate that recent efforts have included establishing a back channel for discussions between Syria and Israel, allegedly facilitated by the United Arab Emirates, which the UAE has denied. These informal talks reportedly focus on confidence-building measures and security arrangements, reflecting a growing concern on both sides regarding the potential for conflict. Overall, the negotiations reflect a significant endeavor by the Syrian government to regain stability and address the threats posed by Israeli operations within its borders. The ongoing discourse may ultimately determine the future dynamics of the relationship between Syria and Israel, impacting regional security and geopolitical stability in the Middle East.