In a major shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics, France has announced its dedication to supporting Syria's political transition following the surprising ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, as Syrian rebels capture Damascus without resistance, ending decades of Assad family rule.

Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions has seen a significant escalation, with Israeli airstrikes targeting central Gaza, resulting in civilian casualties and international alarm, following a deadly Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel earlier this month.

Compounding the turbulent situation in the region, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to appear in court, as his corruption trial reaches a pivotal moment amidst a landscape of geopolitical and domestic challenges, involving accusations of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery.

As Syria embarks on a new chapter, the fall of the Assad regime, led by Abu Mohammed Al-Golani’s Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, represents a crucial turning point, with HTS forces capturing Damascus after a swift takeover that began with Aleppo.

In other news, the Philippines is dealing with the dramatic eruption of the Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island, which has prompted urgent evacuations, as authorities monitor the situation closely in response to the towering ash cloud.

With the Assad family's departure, Syria is undergoing a historic transformation, offering potential opportunities and challenges as it moves towards a new political era, with hopeful signs acknowledged by international observers like the Council for Arab-British Understanding.