National Coalition: Positive Meeting with New Syrian Leadership

The head of the National Coalition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The head of the National Coalition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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National Coalition: Positive Meeting with New Syrian Leadership

The head of the National Coalition (Asharq Al-Awsat)
The head of the National Coalition (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Syrian National Coalition for Revolutionary and Opposition Forces announced that the meeting held on Wednesday evening at the People’s Palace in Damascus between Ahmed Al-Sharaa, leader of the new Syrian administration, and the head of the coalition, was “positive and constructive.”
The discussion reportedly involved a candid and transparent exchange of perspectives on the challenges of the current phase and potential strategies to address them in a manner that serves the Syrian people and nation.
In a statement published on its website on Sunday, the coalition addressed what it described as “misinformation” circulating on social media regarding the content of the meeting.
The group reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the interim government in Damascus “amid these difficult circumstances” to achieve security, civil peace, and stability, as well as to deliver essential services to citizens. It also expressed appreciation for the support of allied and friendly nations in providing humanitarian aid and assisting the new leadership in alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and fostering stability.
During the meeting, the coalition leadership and the new Syrian administration discussed several critical issues, including plans for the upcoming national conference. Talks also covered the role of political and societal institutions, as well as civil society organizations that emerged during and prior to the revolution. The coalition clarified that the meeting did not involve discussions about quotas, appointments, or any matters unrelated to the broader interests of the Syrian people.
The statement underscored the need for collective action to support state-building efforts that align with the aspirations of the Syrian people. It reiterated the coalition’s vision for the transitional phase and emphasized the importance of unity among Syrians.
“All Syrians are in the same boat and must navigate it together, sharing responsibilities and working in coordination to achieve their common goals,” the statement read.

 

 

 

 



Israeli Strikes across Northern Gaza Kill at Least 14 People, Including a Family of 5

 Destroyed buildings are seen inside the Gaza Strip from southern Israel, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP)
Destroyed buildings are seen inside the Gaza Strip from southern Israel, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP)
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Israeli Strikes across Northern Gaza Kill at Least 14 People, Including a Family of 5

 Destroyed buildings are seen inside the Gaza Strip from southern Israel, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP)
Destroyed buildings are seen inside the Gaza Strip from southern Israel, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP)

At least 14 Palestinians, including a family of five people, were killed in three separate Israeli airstrikes Monday in northern Gaza Strip, Palestinian medics said.

One strike hit a group of people in the Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, killing at least seven people including two children, the health ministry’s emergency service said.

Two more people were killed in Jabaliya al-Balad area in northern Gaza, it said. Another five people were wounded in the strike, it said.

A third strike hit Salaheddin school, which shelters displaced families in the western part of Gaza City. The strike killed two parents and their three children, according to the Al-Ahly hospital which received the casualties.

The Israeli military did not have an immediate comment on the strikes but blames Hamas for civilian casualties, saying the fighters operate in residential areas or other civilian locations.