Syria seeks diplomatic solution with Israel via US mediation

Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani stated on Tuesday that Syria remains committed to a diplomatic solution and is engaged in negotiations with Israel through United States mediation. Speaking at a joint press conference with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen in Damascus, al-Shaibani emphasized that Damascus seeks a full return to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and the withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held prior to December 8, 2024.

Al-Shaibani reported significant military incursions and arrests by Israeli forces. According to Syrian documentation, there were 65 incursions in July and 52 during the first 18 days of August. He also noted 147 arrests of Syrians since the beginning of the year, with 49 individuals still in detention, alongside raids in Quneitra and the Damascus countryside.

The diplomatic efforts follow recent tensions, including Israeli strikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase and military movements near Mount Hermon. While Syria demands the restoration of its sovereignty and the right to build a national army, Israeli officials have maintained that their military presence in southern Syria will continue as long as security threats persist.