The Day Damascus Changed Hands While Netanyahu Crossed Lines

Morning coverage focused on Syrian opposition claims of controlling Damascus and Assad's reported departure, with conflicting accounts of his whereabouts spreading through Palestinian media. Russian sources later confirmed granting Assad asylum for "humanitarian reasons".

By midday, Netanyahu ordered IDF forces to enter the Syrian buffer zone near Mount Hermon, declaring it a "historic day." The Israeli cabinet approved establishing a new buffer zone, while warning residents of five Syrian towns to remain indoors.

Gaza operations continued at Kamal Adwan Hospital, where oxygen and water tanks were destroyed. The death toll reached 44,708, with 25 killed in Al-Buriej camp strikes. Hamas delegation departed Cairo after negotiations, while reports emerged of progress in prisoner exchange talks.

The evening brought Trump's statement about pressuring Netanyahu to end the war "with victory," while Palestinian sources reported Hamas requesting all factions to count Israeli captives in preparation for negotiations.