More Companies Shut Down in Syria’s Regime-Run Areas

A general view of Damascus in 2018 (Reuters)
A general view of Damascus in 2018 (Reuters)
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More Companies Shut Down in Syria’s Regime-Run Areas

A general view of Damascus in 2018 (Reuters)
A general view of Damascus in 2018 (Reuters)

Areas controlled by the Syrian regime have witnessed the liquidation of 50 companies in the last three months, reported the government-aligned Al-Watan daily.

This is equivalent to 75% of the total number of companies that have dissolved themselves since the beginning of 2022, which amounted to 79 companies, according to the director of companies at the Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection of the regime, Zain Safi.

Al-Watan also said that the owners of the dissolved companies refused to comment to the media about the reasons their businesses were shut down.

Hassan Hazouri, a lecturer at the Faculty of Economics at Aleppo University, believes that the regime’s policies have transformed the Syrian economy from a productive economy to a service economy.

It did that by encouraging sectors such as tourism and trade, at the expense of real production sectors such as agriculture and industry.

Hazouri further criticized Damascus’ ill-considered policies when it comes to resolving economic problems. These policies have ruined the economic standing of Syria further, which prompted an exodus of local businesses.

Moreover, many business owners in Syria were forced to either permanently or temporarily shut down their operations. Those who didn’t sell or liquidate their business, left their company working at minimum capacity.

Last September, Syrian businessman Ayman Bergenjiki, owner of Indomie Syria, announced that the factories producing the instant noodles have permanently ceased operations in Syria. He then reversed this declaration by indicating that it could potentially resume work.

Last week, local media also reported the closure of about 25% of dairy and cheese production workshops and facilities. The closure came as the dollar exchange rate exceeded the threshold of SYP 5,000.

The rise in the dollar exchange rate in Syria has produced market turmoil and a hike in production costs.



Hamas Stresses Acceptance of Dedicated Committee to Manage Gaza

Smoke rises during Israeli military operations in Al Shejaeiya and Al Tuffah neighborhoods, east Gaza City, 19 April 2025. (EPA)
Smoke rises during Israeli military operations in Al Shejaeiya and Al Tuffah neighborhoods, east Gaza City, 19 April 2025. (EPA)
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Hamas Stresses Acceptance of Dedicated Committee to Manage Gaza

Smoke rises during Israeli military operations in Al Shejaeiya and Al Tuffah neighborhoods, east Gaza City, 19 April 2025. (EPA)
Smoke rises during Israeli military operations in Al Shejaeiya and Al Tuffah neighborhoods, east Gaza City, 19 April 2025. (EPA)

The Hamas movement reiterated on Saturday its willingness to reach a comprehensive agreement that would include a full prisoner exchange in return for a ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the start of reconstruction efforts.

In a statement, it expressed readiness to immediately implement an Egyptian proposal to form a special committee of independent figures to manage Gaza following such an agreement.

The statement also confirmed that a Hamas delegation, led by senior official Mohammed Darwish, met in Türkiye with Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.

Kalin reiterated Ankara’s support for the Palestinian cause and its solidarity with the Palestinian people. He also emphasized his country’s firm rejection of Israeli expansionist policies and any new attempts at occupation or annexation, said Hamas.

Separately, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, announced Saturday that the fate of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander remains unknown.

In a statement, Qassam spokesperson Abu Ubaida said: “We managed to recover the body of a martyr who was tasked with guarding the prisoner Edan Alexander. The fate of the prisoner, along with the other captive fighters, is still unknown.”

Hamas said on Tuesday that it had lost contact with the group holding Alexander after Israeli forces bombed the location in Gaza where he was believed to be held.

Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier from New Jersey, has been held hostage by Hamas.

“We are trying to protect all the captives and preserve their lives despite the brutality of the aggression,” Abu Ubaida said. “But their lives are in danger due to the enemy army’s criminal bombardment.”

He again accused the Israeli military of being responsible for the deaths of hostages — an allegation Israel has denied, instead blaming Hamas for killing those in its custody.

Alexander’s case was reportedly a key point of discussion in recent talks between Hamas leaders and US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Adam Boehler, held last month.

In a related development, the Qassam Brigades published a video on Telegram showing an Israeli hostage alive. The video, lasting more than four minutes, shows the hostage seated in a confined space, speaking in Hebrew over the phone with family members and a friend, pleading with them to continue efforts to secure his release.