European foreign ministers hold talks with Syria's interim leader.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and her French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, met in Damascus on Friday with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This marked one of the highest-level Western diplomatic engagements with Syria's interim government since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad last month.
In a statement issued earlier that day, Baerbock emphasized that their discussions with Sharaa, conducted on behalf of the European Union, were aimed at establishing conditions for Syria to reestablish ties with Germany and the EU. These conditions included ensuring the participation of all Syrians in the political process, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.
“We are fully aware of the ideological origins of HTS and its past actions,” Baerbock stated, referring to Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham, the former rebel group now led by Sharaa, once affiliated with al-Qaeda. “However, we also recognize the signs of a desire for moderation and dialogue with other key stakeholders.” The ministers were also scheduled to meet with representatives of Syrian civil society. Baerbock added, “Despite our skepticism, we cannot afford to miss this opportunity to support the Syrian people at such a critical juncture.”
The European Union continues to classify HTS as a terrorist organization, as does the United States. However, Washington removed a $10 million bounty on Sharaa—previously known by his nom de guerre, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani—following the rebel group’s takeover in early December. Since assuming power, HTS has attempted to position itself as a viable governing partner for international cooperation, including with Western nations. The interim government has called for the lifting of Western sanctions imposed on Assad’s regime and sought international aid to rebuild areas devastated by the nearly 13-year civil war.
During their visit, the ministers also toured Sednaya, a military prison infamous for the torture and disappearance of thousands under Assad’s rule.
“Less than a month ago, Syrians mobilized and brought forth new hope—a hope for a sovereign, stable, and peaceful Syria,” Barrot remarked during a visit to the French Embassy in Damascus, which had been shuttered in the early years of the civil war. “This hope is real, but it is also fragile.”
Meanwhile, unrelated developments in the region underscored ongoing tensions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the continuation of negotiations in Doha, Qatar, involving the Israel Defense Forces, Mossad, and Shin Bet to secure a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage-release deal.
World Health Organization Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called on Israel to expedite medical evacuations from Gaza, warning that, at the current pace, it could take years to evacuate the over 12,000 critically ill patients in the besieged enclave. Basic services in Jenin, an Israeli-occupied city in the West Bank, remain severely disrupted due to recent operations targeting militants, according to the United Nations. Clashes there have resulted in 11 deaths, including two children, between December 24 and 30.
On another front, Israeli police and the IDF announced Friday the apprehension of an individual attempting to smuggle drugs into Gaza via drone. Authorities noted that several similar incidents had been observed recently.
