Israel continued to carry out intense airstrikes against Syrian military bases in Tuesday, saying the goal was to prevent weapons from falling into "hostile hands". At the same time, the capital Damascus is taking the first steps towards restoring normal life after the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, reports "Reuters".
Israel said its forces remained in the buffer zone established after the 1973 war, but Syrian sources said Israeli troops had advanced to the town of Qatana, near Damascus airport. Israeli authorities have denied these claims and stressed that their actions are limited and temporary.
With airstrikes over the past three days, Israel has destroyed dozens of Syrian helicopters, planes and Republican Guard assets, regional sources said
Israel's actions have drawn sharp criticism from Turkey, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia said it would "derail the possibility of Syria restoring security". However, Israel emphasized that it is not seeking conflict with the new Syrian authorities and that the airstrikes are entirely aimed at protecting its security.
Meanwhile, life in Damascus is returning to a more normal course. Banks opened their doors for the first time since the fall of the regime, and the streets of the city filled with traffic as people returned to their usual activities. Workers began rebuilding destroyed infrastructure, and shops resumed their activities.
Assad's former prime minister, Mohammed Jalali, negotiated the transfer of power to the new Salvation Government, led by Ahmed Sharaa, known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. The transition to the new government, made up of rebel groups, will take several days, according to sources.
The UN has welcomed the inclusion of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group in the transitional government, despite its past as al-Qaeda's Syrian branch. The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called for an inclusive approach to governing the country.
"This is a time for reunion and a new beginning," Pedersen stated.