Israel slams Syrian attacks on KurdsALEPPO FIGHTING: Deadly clashes began this week between Syrian forces and Kurdish fighters as a deal to merge administrations and militaries struggles to formAFP, JERUSALEMIsrael yesterday criticized the Syrian government over what it described as attacks against the Kurdish community in Aleppo, just days after the two sides agreed to establish a joint mechanism aimed at lowering bilateral tensions. “Attacks by the Syrian regime’s forces against the Kurdish minority in the city of Aleppo are grave and dangerous... Earlier this week, Israel and Syria, under US pressure, agreed to establish an intelligence-sharing mechanism, an unprecedented step as the two countries edge toward a security agreement after decades of hostilities. Following discussions in Paris, Israel and Syria agreed to establish “a dedicated communication cell” under US supervision that would seek to lower bilateral tensions. US President Donald Trump, who met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Washington in November last year, has been pushing for a security deal between Syria and Israel, but Israel remains distrustful of the former jihadist.

Source: Taipei Times January 08, 2026 16:52 UTC