Passover holiday: Israel turns Syrian territory into tourist attraction
The army noted that the tours will be coordinated with the Northern Command, the 210th Division, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, and local educational and regional organizations, including the Keshet Yehonatan Educational Center and the Golan Field School.
According to Israeli media outlets, visitors will be allowed to explore scenic areas along the Yarmouk River and access military observation posts in zones captured during recent operations in southwestern Syria.
The initiative, scheduled to run through the Passover holiday ending April 19, comes after Israel's expanded military presence beyond the disengagement line near Mount Hermon, following the collapse of al-Assad regime in December 2024.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
US eases Syria sanctions, resumes Gaza ceasefire talks
Shafaq News – Washington The US State Department announced, on Tuesday, a major shift in Middle East policy under the 'America First' framework, aiming to redefine national interests and global engagement priorities. At a press briefing attended by Shafaq News, Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the easing of select sanctions on Syria, explaining the move as an opportunity for Damascus to pursue stability under conditions that have been clear from the beginning. Bruce said the administration is reassessing Syria's role in the international community as part of a wider review to gauge whether it can function as a responsible state actor. She also noted that all Syrian factions have agreed to halt hostilities, urging the government to lead by prosecuting perpetrators of violence, including those within its own institutions. Watch the Department Press Briefing with @statedeptspox Tammy Bruce, from the Press Briefing Room of the State Department. — Department of State (@StateDept) July 22, 2025 On Gaza, Bruce relayed that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has restarted ceasefire negotiations alongside efforts to secure sustained humanitarian access, while blaming Hamas for derailing the previous truce by manipulating aid shortages for political leverage. The spokesperson condemned the recent killing of over 30 civilians near the Zikim crossing as a direct outcome of what she described as Hamas' calculated exploitation of humanitarian need. Bruce also confirmed the US withdrawal from UNESCO, citing the agency's recognition of Palestine and what Washington views as persistent institutional bias against Israel.
Shafaq News
6 hours ago
- Shafaq News
US to mediate rare direct talks between Israel and Syria on Thursday
Shafaq News – Damascus The United States, Israel, and Syria will convene a rare high-level meeting on July 24 to discuss new security arrangements in southern Syria, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing a US official and a source familiar with the talks. This would mark the first direct engagement between the three sides since Israeli airstrikes targeted Damascus and clashes erupted in Suwayda. US Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, is reportedly expected to lead the negotiations alongside senior Israeli and Syrian officials, aiming to create mechanisms 'to prevent crises between the countries.' 'There is relative calm now, but the fundamental issues will not be resolved without comprehensive agreements between the U.S., Israel and the Syrian government,' a senior Israeli official told Axios.
Shafaq News
9 hours ago
- Shafaq News
SDF: Disarmament currently impossible
Shafaq News – Damascus The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will not disarm under current conditions, SDF spokesperson Abgar Dawood said on Tuesday, citing ongoing instability and security threats. Speaking to Kurdish media outlets, Dawood added that the SDF could integrate into the Syrian army if a constitutional framework acknowledging the Kurdish community's distinct status is established. 'The SDF is not in favor of war, but it will defend its people wherever it is present.' The SDF has recently deployed additional units to front-line areas in eastern Aleppo province, as well as northern and western parts of Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria. The move follows skirmishes with public security forces and Turkish-backed armed factions, amid rising tensions linked to developments in Suwayda. On March 10, interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi signed an agreement under which Kurdish fighters would be incorporated into the armed forces of the transitional government.
