Palestinian Prime Minister Muhammad Mustafa met with Syrian Caretaker Government (SCG) leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus on Tuesday, marking the first high-level engagement between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the new Syrian administration. The visit underscored Palestine’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and its call for the lifting of international sanctions on the war-torn country.
Mustafa, who also serves as Palestine’s foreign minister, led a delegation that conveyed the greetings of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the Syrian leadership and people. “We look from Damascus to the future of Syria, and we are hopeful that it will overcome the challenges of this stage,” Mustafa said. “For us, Syria is a pivotal country, supporting and backing our cause.”
The Palestinian prime minister emphasized the need for Syria’s reintegration into the Arab League and called for an end to international sanctions, which he described as a “basic requirement for stability and development.”
Strengthening Bilateral Ties & Addressing Refugee Issues
The meeting, which took place at the People’s Palace in Damascus, was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and other senior officials. Discussions focused on enhancing political and economic cooperation, as well as addressing the conditions of Palestinian refugees in Syria.
Mustafa referred to Palestinian refugees as “honored guests in their second homeland” and reiterated Palestine’s commitment to respecting the sovereignty of all states while supporting regional stability. The PA has long maintained relations with Syria. However, past tensions arose due to the Assad regime’s support for factions opposed to the PA’s authority, including Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command (PFLP-GC).
During the Syrian revolution, Hamas distanced itself from the Assad regime, leading to a deterioration in ties. While Hamas attempted to reconcile with Damascus in 2022, Assad later criticized the group’s shifting alliances, calling its past positions a mix of “treachery and hypocrisy,” while recent documents revealed the true extent of the regime’s hostility towards the group.
In contrast, the PA has sought to maintain a neutral stance, avoiding deep involvement in Syria’s internal conflicts. The visit by Mustafa represents a formal acknowledgment of the SCG as Syria’s governing authority and a step toward reestablishing stable diplomatic relations.
Regional Context & Calls for Palestinian Unity
The visit also comes amid ongoing violence in the Palestinian territories. The PM renewed calls for an end to Israeli military operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and occupied East Jerusalem, emphasizing the need to rebuild destroyed Palestinian infrastructure.
“The unity of the Palestinian territories is essential, and we must strive toward an independent, sovereign Palestinian state in accordance with international legitimacy and the Arab Initiative,” Mustafa said.
Looking Ahead
The SCG has actively sought to rebuild diplomatic relationships with regional and international actors following the ousting of Assad. Mustafa’s endorsement of Syria’s return to the Arab League and his call for lifting sanctions align with broader regional discussions on Syria’s future role in the Middle East.
For Syria, the meeting serves as an important step toward diplomatic normalization, while for Palestine, it reinforces a historic bond between the two peoples. As both governments navigate complex regional dynamics, Tuesday’s meeting may set the stage for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.
