DAMASCUS -- Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed Sunday to hold accountable those responsible for recent violence in the coastal region, particularly "remnants of the former regime" whom he accused of orchestrating attacks on security forces and civilians.

In a televised address, al-Sharaa condemned the killings of security personnel and civilians in Latakia and Tartous provinces, blaming the escalation on "remnants of the fallen regime and their foreign backers" who, he said, seek to destabilize Syria and incite sectarian strife. (Syria-Mass-Killings)

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JERUSALEM -- Israel announced Sunday that it was halting the electricity supply to the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.

"I have just signed an order to immediately stop the supply of electricity to Gaza," Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said in a video statement. He stated the measure aims to pressure Hamas to release the hostages still held in Gaza. According to Israeli figures, 59 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, around 24 of whom are believed to be alive. (Israel-Gaza-Electricity)

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JERUSALEM -- Israel would issue work permits for Druze citizens of Syria to work in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday.

The move would be made "soon," Katz said in a statement, without specifying the exact timeline.

Katz added that the permits would be issued as part of a government plan. "The government is now approving an unprecedented aid plan for the Druze and Circassian communities in Israel," he noted. (Israel-Druze-Syria)

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TEHRAN -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated on Sunday that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons, citing a religious decree by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that prohibits such arms.

He emphasized Iran's ongoing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to verify the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

Pezeshkian made the remarks during a phone conversation with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, where they discussed bilateral relations and regional issues, according to a statement from the Iranian president's office. (Iran-Nuclear-Program) Enditem

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