The political committee of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) held its regular meeting on Thursday to discuss the latest developments in the region, particularly the current escalation and the escalating military conflicts in the Middle East and their impact on Syria.
The committee reviewed several political reports regarding the expansion of the conflict in the Middle East and its risks, including the extension of Israeli military operations toward Lebanon and Syria.
The committee strongly condemned the targeting of Lebanese and Syrian civilians in Lebanon, which affected dozens of Syrian refugees. They emphasized the need to protect them, while noting that the Assad regime remains a passive observer, despite its long-standing claims of resistance and fighting occupation.
The meeting also discussed a report presented by the Refugees and Displaced Persons Working Group on the situation of Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The report highlighted the cessation of all forms of humanitarian support due to discriminatory policies by the Lebanese government and administrative decisions by local municipalities, which have gone so far as to prevent local, Syrian, and international organizations from providing shelter, food aid, or even emergency medical services.
Specialized working groups were tasked with communicating with international agencies responsible for refugee care, as well as with representatives of influential countries, to press for an end to these discriminatory policies, which amount to crimes against humanity.
An emergency meeting was scheduled for later that evening with the Refugees Working Group, along with Syrian and Lebanese organizations and activists in Lebanon, to discuss the latest developments concerning refugees and to formulate an urgent action plan to address their situation as swiftly as possible.
The attendees also contacted the commander of the military police in Jarablus to inquire about the situation of refugees who had arrived at the Aoun al-Dadat crossing near Jarablus, coming from Lebanon through regime-controlled areas and northeastern Syria. Around 2,000 refugees were seeking to return to areas not under regime control in rural Aleppo and Idlib.
The military police commander in Jarablus provided a summary of their situation and preparations for their entry through the crossing. The political committee emphasized the need to expedite their entry process, ensure emergency care, and facilitate their transport either to their original homes or to areas where they have relatives. The commander assured that procedures would be accelerated as much as possible.
Additionally, the attendees received a briefing from members of the Political Committee who participated in the Syrian Negotiations Committee’s meetings with delegations and representatives of various countries during the United Nations General Assembly session in New York late last month. These discussions focused on the regional developments and their impact on Syria, the importance of advancing the political process to implement UN Resolution 2254, and conveying the Syrian people’s suffering and aspirations.
The attendees also reviewed m a report from the Jazira and Euphrates Working Group, which discussed the recent meetings and activities carried out by the SOC in the Tal Abyad area in Raqqa and Ras al-Ayn in Hasakah. The report recommended exempting local farmers from fees and taxes.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
