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Damascus Governor Maher Marwan Calls for Peace with Israel, Seeks US Mediation

Dec 27, 2024, 07:59 AM

Maher Marwan, the newly appointed governor of Damascus, has expressed a desire for peaceful relations with Israel, stating that the new Syrian government under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa seeks coexistence rather than conflict. In an interview with NPR, Marwan conveyed that the Syrian administration does not intend to threaten Israel's security and emphasized a willingness for peace. He acknowledged initial fears from Israel following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime as 'natural' and mentioned that such fears led to limited military actions by Israel. Marwan also called on the United States to play a role in facilitating better relations between Syria and Israel. This shift in rhetoric comes as the new Syrian leadership, led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani, aims to establish its international legitimacy post the rapid overthrow of Assad's government.