Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa revealed on Wednesday that indirect negotiations are taking place between Syria and Israel via international mediators, in an effort to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation.
“There are indirect negotiations with Israel through mediators to calm the situation and prevent the loss of control,” al-Sharaa said during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris following their meeting.
The Syrian leader reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the 1974 disengagement agreement, which governs the ceasefire lines between Syria and Israel in the Golan Heights.
The talks come amid heightened tensions following Israel’s recent military reinforcements in the Golan Heights and ongoing airstrikes on Syrian territories.
Earlier, informed sources in Damascus revealed that the Syrian government is open to dialogue regarding a potential peace agreement with Israel.
Reconciliation is possible, the sources said, but only under specific conditions – namely, the implementation of international agreements and the return of occupied Syrian territories.
Any peace process would need to be based on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and Israel’s withdrawal from territories it has occupied since 1967, which includes the Golan Heights, the sources said.
The reported Syrian demands align with conditions previously set by Saudi Arabia as part of its own normalization framework with Israel. However, the sources noted that Israel has not responded positively to these overtures.
Instead, it is accused of attempting to impose new terms through military pressure and rejecting the foundation of earlier agreements.
Golan Heights remain a key problem
The Golan Heights, seized by Israel in 1967 and unilaterally annexed in 1981, remain a central issue.
The international community continues to recognize the territory occupied Syrian land.
The recent shift in tone from Damascus could mark a significant change in the region’s political dynamics, though observers remain sceptical about the likelihood of progress.
Following a recent political transition in Syria, Israel has reportedly reinforced its military presence in parts of the Golan Heights and continues to conduct airstrikes across Syrian territory, raising tensions despite signs of possible diplomatic overtures.
He confirmed indirect negotiations with Israel through mediators aimed at preserving calm and reaffirmed Syria’s adherence to the 1974 disengagement agreement.
“There are indirect negotiations with Israel through mediators to calm the situation and prevent the loss of control.”
Syria’s President Ahmed Al-Sharaa (R) welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of their meeting at the Elysee Palace. -/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
DJ Kamal Mustafa
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