Washington: The US State Department has confirmed the death of Hosam Saraya, a US citizen, in the predominantly Druze region of Sweida in Syria last week. A State Department spokesperson announced that consular assistance is being provided to Saraya’s family but declined to provide further details.
According to Deutsche Welle, Saraya’s friends and family had earlier confirmed seeing him and other relatives in a video showing people being shot. The situation in Syria remains tense, with recent violence in March claiming over 1,400 lives, predominantly civilians, as reported by a Syrian fact-finding mission. The violence erupted on March 6 when armed groups loyal to the ousted dictator Bashar Assad attacked the new government’s security forces. This led to the mobilization of around 200,000 armed men, resulting in widespread violations against civilians.
In another development, pro-Palestinian protests on the Greek island of Syros forced a cruise ship carrying Israeli tourists to leave without disembarking passengers. The vessel, operated by Israeli company Mano Cruise, had around 1,700 passengers on board and was redirected to Cyprus. The protests highlighted the ongoing tension related to the conflict in Gaza, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres describing the situation in Gaza as a “horror show.”
The escalated Israeli military operations have led to unprecedented destruction, with the humanitarian system described as being in its “last gasp.” Over 1,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed while trying to access food aid since the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began overseeing aid operations.
German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan expressed her support for a statement demanding an end to the war in Gaza, issued by foreign ministers from 28 countries. Although Germany did not sign the statement, Alabali Radovan emphasized the urgent need for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, highlighting the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military has launched a new offensive in the city of Deir al-Balah, the last remaining area of Gaza not yet devastated by the ongoing conflict. The city is home to thousands of Palestinians seeking refuge from the fighting in other parts of Gaza.