News|Syria's WarSyrian delegation meets Israelis in Paris amid sovereignty breachesTalks have been continuing on and off to reach a security deal between the sides for months.
A Syrian delegation led by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and General Intelligence Director-General Hussein al-Salama is participating in a new round of negotiations with Israeli counterparts in Paris. These discussions are coordinated and…
A Syrian delegation led by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and General Intelligence Director-General Hussein al-Salama is participating in a new round of negotiations with Israeli counterparts in Paris. These discussions are coordinated and mediated by the United States, according to reports from Syrian state agency SANA.
A government source indicated that the resumption of these negotiations underscores Syria's commitment to restoring its national rights.
Recently, Israel has extended its occupation of Syrian territory beyond the Golan Heights and conducted numerous military operations in southern Syria. Israeli forces have engaged in frequent incursions into southern Syria, especially in the Quneitra governorate, where they have conducted arrests, set up checkpoints, and altered the landscape, leading to public discontent.
The discussions aim to reactivate the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces to their positions prior to December 8, 2014. The agreement seeks to ensure Syrian sovereignty and prevent external interference in its internal matters.
A Syrian delegation led by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani and General Intelligence Director-General Hussein al-Salama is participating in a new round of negotiations with Israeli counterparts in Paris.
Despite a decrease in direct military threats, Israeli air raids have resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of Syrian military sites. Over the past year, more than 600 Israeli air, drone, and artillery attacks have been recorded across Syria, averaging nearly two attacks daily, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED).
Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, Israel declared the 1974 Disengagement Agreement void. This agreement had established a United Nations-patrolled buffer zone, which Israel has violated by advancing into Syrian territory.
Israel justifies its actions by claiming the accord is no longer applicable, conducting air raids, ground incursions, reconnaissance flights, setting up checkpoints, and detaining Syrians. Syria has not retaliated with attacks.
Negotiations have been ongoing for months to secure a security agreement between Israel and Syria, but no deal or significant progress has been announced. Syria does not recognize Israel and has no interest in joining the Abraham Accords, unlike some other Arab nations. While Washington recognizes Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights, the international community largely rejects it.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
