The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, warned on Tuesday that the conflict is far from over, with hostilities still ongoing in the north of the country between pro-Kurdish and pro-Turkish forces.
Pedersen emphasized the need for broad support for Syria and the lifting of sanctions to facilitate the country’s reconstruction, highlighting the importance of a political transition to ensure economic support.
As international engagement grows, contact is being made with radical groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), prompting concerns about their true intentions and past affiliations with jihadist organizations.
Israeli Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sharren Haskel, labeled HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Julani as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” citing his jihadist past and cautioning against overlooking the threat posed by extremist groups in Syria.