Your monthly updates from Deen Relief’s countries of operation. Part 1: News from Syria.
On 2 July 2026, a bomb attack at a café in central Damascus killed 10 people and injured 21 others. Syrian authorities said the blast was caused by a crude improvised explosive device (IED), and investigations later led to the arrest of suspects linked to an Islamic State-affiliated cell.
Syria's first post-Assad People's Assembly consists of 210 members, with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointing 70 members – one third of the chamber – including 15 women to improve female representation. The transitional parliament will serve a 30-month term, during which it is expected to develop new electoral legislation and support Syria's political transition ahead of future democratic elections.
On 12 July 2026, the newly formed Parliament convened for its inaugural session in Damascus, marking its first meeting since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. During the session, members outlined key priorities for the transitional period, including rebuilding the economy, strengthening public services, encouraging international investment, and helping establish the legislative foundations for Syria's future governance.
French President Emmanuel Macron became the first European Union head of state to visit Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
During his visit to Damascus on 6 July 2026, two explosions occurred near the hotel where he had been staying. The attacks ultimately left one person dead and 36 others injured. Security was increased across the capital as authorities investigated the blasts. While some analysts suggested the explosions may have been intended to disrupt Macron's visit, no official motive has been confirmed. Macron was not injured and continued his official meetings as planned.
Syrian authorities have since arrested the suspects believed to be responsible for the bombings. Officials said that preliminary investigations indicate the group is affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS), although the investigation remains ongoing and ISIS has not claimed responsibility for the attacks.
Furthermore, during President Macron’s visit, 23 Syrian archaeological artefacts were returned that had remained in France since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. The collection, originally loaned to the Arab World Institute in Paris for an exhibition in 2010, is now back at the National Museum in Damascus.
The United States has announced its intention to remove Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, beginning the formal process by notifying Congress. If approved following the required review period, the move would mark a significant step in normalising relations with Syria and reflects Washington's growing engagement with President Ahmed al-Sharaa's transitional government.
On 21 July 2026, Israeli forces opened fire on civilians during an incursion into the village of Jamla in southern Syria. One child and one young man were injured after residents attempted to block the advance of Israeli military vehicles.
On 25 July 2026, two buses collided on the Damascus–Deir al-Zor highway, killing 35 people and injuring 30 others. One of the buses was carrying members of Syria's Internal Security Forces, while the other was a civilian passenger bus. The cause of the collision was not immediately known, though the tragedy has drawn renewed attention to the challenges facing Syria's transport infrastructure after years of conflict.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa has said that Damascus is working towards reaching security agreements with Israel and other regional partners. He stated that a potential agreement with Israel could help reduce tensions and contribute to broader regional stability, while avoiding further military confrontation.
Al-Sharaa also confirmed that Syria has no intention of launching military intervention in Lebanon, instead emphasising that Damascus wants to support Lebanon’s stability and help the country navigate its ongoing challenges through cooperation and diplomacy.
Written by Salma Begum
Edited by Melissa Dent