Syrian rebels strengthen control as Israel seizes border territory
Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), are working to consolidate control after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. HTS has issued an amnesty for former Assad military conscripts and is resuming public services, including in the oil sector. Israel has taken advantage of the situation by seizing territory along the border, claiming it is necessary for security. This move has drawn criticism from Egypt and Qatar, who view it as a violation of a 1974 armistice agreement. International reactions vary, with some countries suspending asylum claims from Syrians. The U.S. continues to target ISIS in Syria, while Russia seeks to engage with the new leadership.