Ex-prisoners back in Syria’s cells ‘of despair’

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv for a deal to release remaining hostages in Gaza after 14 months of war against Hamas, with actor Lior Ashkenazi and parent Itzik Horn calling for action. Mediation efforts have led to guarded optimism for a ceasefire and release agreement, with 96 hostages still in Gaza, including 34 believed to be dead. Qatar and the US are actively involved in negotiations, with Egypt also working towards a resolution...

The United States has made direct contact with Syria's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels despite designating them as terrorists, seeking a peaceful transition and pressing for the release of kidnapped journalist Austin Tice. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of an inclusive and representative government in Syria, with respect for all Syrians' rights, as state institutions continue to provide essential services. Despite the terrorist designation, the US remains hopeful for a better future in...

Taher al-Zain searches for his father, who disappeared 12 years ago during Bashar Al-Assad's regime, among the thousands of Syrians missing during the civil war. Visiting hospitals and the infamous Sednaya prison, Taher and others seek answers and closure as bodies of the deceased are recovered and political prisoners are released in the aftermath of Assad's regime being overthrown. Despite the uncertainty of Syria's future, families of the disappeared continue their search for loved ones,...

Jordan will host US, EU, Turkish, and Arab diplomats for high-level talks on Syria after celebrations in Damascus over the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, ending over 50 years of brutal rule. Turkey plans to reopen its embassy in Damascus, while Qatar will visit Syria for discussions on aid and reopening their embassy. Meanwhile, Syrians rejoice at the fall of Assad, with celebrations across the country and a focus on unraveling the secrets of his rule,...

Bayan al-Hinnawi, a former prisoner in Bashar al-Assad's Syria, celebrated the president's fall in Sweida's main square, a dream come true for the ex-inmate who was jailed for 17 years under the Assad regime. Hundreds of people gathered, waving pre-Assad flags and olive branches, symbolizing peace, while reflecting on lost family members and the torture endured in detention centers. Sweida's Druze community, historically marginalized, expressed hope for a better future, with residents seeking closure for...

Thousands of jubilant Syrians gathered at Damascus's Umayyad Mosque for Friday prayers, celebrating Assad's ouster with opposition flags and chants. Former rebels and civilians, including women and children, mingled in the streets, reminiscent of the early days of the 2011 uprising. The interim government, led by rebel forces, promised the "rule of law" and a better future for Syria, as citizens expressed hope for a new beginning free from Assad's regime. Full Article