He emphasized Syria's commitment to protecting various sects and minorities, framing the nation as a place where coexistence is possible despite ongoing conflicts.

Ahmed Al-Charaa, the newly appointed Syrian leader, announced a significant policy shift during a press conference in Damascus, stating that all weapons, including those held by Kurdish forces, will be placed under state control.

This declaration marks a pivotal moment in Syria's political landscape, particularly in light of the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Moscow after losing support from key allies.

Al-Charaa leads the radical Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which played a crucial role in the offensive that led to the capture of Damascus on December 8, 2024.

Following the successful offensive, Al-Charaa announced plans for armed factions to begin dissolving and integrating into the national army after consultations with military officials.

In a notable shift in regional dynamics, Saudi Arabia, previously opposed to Assad, has initiated contact with Syria's new government and plans to send a delegation soon.

During his diplomatic engagements, Al-Charaa met with Lebanese Druze leader Walid Joumblatt, who congratulated the Syrian people for overcoming tyranny and called for accountability for past crimes.

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged the international community to lift sanctions on Syria and provide assistance for recovery and the return of over 14 million displaced persons.

Al-Charaa criticized the role of Iranian militias in Syria, asserting that their presence poses a concern for both regional and international stability.

Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza, with Israeli airstrikes resulting in 32 casualties in the last 24 hours, bringing the total death toll since October 7, 2023, to at least 45,259 according to UN figures.

In a related development, the U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Houthi installations in Yemen following a missile attack on Tel Aviv that injured 16 people.

Pope Francis condemned the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, labeling them as cruel, despite backlash from Israeli officials who accused him of bias.