Syria and Israel Hold US-Mediated Talks to Ease Tensions After Israeli Strikes

Diplomats from Syria and Israel held US-brokered talks in Jordan on Sunday aimed at reducing tensions. The discussions came days after Israel struck an air base in northwest Syria, the latest in a series of military interventions.

Syrian state media reported the talks. The sides also discussed efforts to ease tensions between Israel and Turkey. Israel has carried out repeated strikes inside Syria, citing threats from Iranian-linked groups and other actors.

Palestinian health officials said two Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday killed at least three people, including a four-year-old boy, and wounded seven others. The Israeli military reported killing a Hamas commander responsible for restoring underground infrastructure.

Over the weekend Israel reported launches of drones, balloons and kites from Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the military would intensify strikes against the drone threat.

The US-mediated contact between Syria and Israel represents a rare direct channel at a time of continued military activity across the region.