Syrian President Confirms Indirect Talks with Israel Amid Ongoing Airstrikes
Ahmad Al-Shara reveals behind-the-scenes negotiations to prevent escalation, as reports point to UAE-backed mediation between Syria and Israel.
Watan-Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa stated on Wednesday that his country has held indirect talks with Israel to calm tensions, amid continued Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory.
Speaking to reporters in Paris during his first European trip since taking office, Al-Shara said:
“With regard to negotiations with Israel, there are indirect talks through mediation aimed at calming the situation and preventing it from spiraling out of control,” though he did not specify who the mediators are.
Earlier on Wednesday, Reuters reported that the United Arab Emirates has established a backchannel for communications between Israel and Syria, as Syria’s new leadership seeks regional support in managing its increasingly hostile relationship with Israel.
الرئيس أحمد الشرع: هناك مفاوضات غير مباشرة مع إسرائيل تجري عبر وسطاء هدفها التهدئة، ونتكلم مع كل الدول التي لديها تواصل مع الجانب الإسرائيلي للضغط عليهم والتوقف بالتدخل بالشأن السوري. pic.twitter.com/qZw6G71fHH
— Qasem (@Qasemqt) May 7, 2025
Last week, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on parts of Syria, claiming the attacks were carried out to protect the country’s Druze minority.
