Momentum Grows for Israel-Syria Peace as Trump Revives Regional Diplomacy

For the first time in decades, Syrians are openly expressing support for peace with Israel, signaling a remarkable shift in public sentiment and the country’s political landscape. Amid turbulent changes following the fall of Bashar Assad's regime, citizens in cities like Damascus and Latakia are voicing desires for an end to conflict and a future built on stability rather than hostility.

Furat Alali, a journalist based in Damascus, described the evolving mood: "We want a future without wars. We want to live. People are not afraid to speak up anymore." Her perspective reflects a wider change sweeping through Syrian society, as individuals challenge long-held narratives and prioritize national interests over ideological battles. Discussions that were once taboo—such as peace with Israel—are now being held in public forums, private gatherings, and even on social media, underscoring the depth of this transformation.

This development comes at a significant moment, as Syria and Israel have reportedly engaged in direct talks focused on security concerns along their shared border. The unprecedented negotiations represent a substantial departure from years of mutual animosity and conflict dating back to the mid-20th century. According to those with knowledge of the process, these discussions are still in nascent stages but demonstrate both nations’ willingness to explore new diplomatic avenues.

The United States is believed to be playing an influential role in driving the dialogue forward. With interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa now in charge, Washington’s approach toward Syria has shifted dramatically. Notably, a meeting earlier this month between former President Donald Trump and al-Sharaa marked a clear break from previous American policy, paving the way for possible normalization between Syria and Israel. These moves have emboldened Syrian leaders to seek alternatives to decades of regional isolation and economic stagnation.

Ordinary Syrians, like 24-year-old pharmacist Lina Ali from Latakia, echo this pragmatic turn: "We feel for the people of Gaza. We condemn the mass killings, but we are in a different situation... We are thinking about our own interests now. The idea of exploiting the Palestinian cause to oppress the Syrian people has been rejected. We are tired of this." Others, citing years of economic hardship and ongoing instability, say that openness to peace—even with former adversaries—is now widely seen as a necessity for rebuilding and progress.

Such comments reflect deep exhaustion with decades of conflict and an emphasis on reconstruction. An elderly man summed it up: "We’ve spent 40-50 years preaching Arabism and liberating Palestine, and what do we have to show for it? Nothing. It’s time for peace." The emotional toll of war, combined with dire economic circumstances, has fueled this appetite for change.

Syria’s historical enmity toward Israel, rooted in disputes over territories such as the Golan Heights, has long defined its foreign policy. For years, Damascus maintained strong ties with Iran and Hezbollah as part of the so-called "Axis of Resistance." However, the emergence of Ahmed al-Sharaa as interim president has brought with it the potential for altering these entrenched alliances. Alali recounted her initial fears about the changing leadership and the influence of former militant groups, but observed that recent domestic policies have garnered a cautious acceptance among the population.

Observers note that this shift is not unique to Syria; throughout the region, there is growing disillusionment with pro-Palestinian militancy when leaders use such causes as pretexts for oppression and corruption. Regional experts point out that the desire for peace and prosperity increasingly outweighs old grievances, especially in countries suffering the consequences of long-standing conflicts and the presence of powerful militias under foreign influence.

The voices emerging from Syria today indicate a potentially transformative period in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Many Syrians see normalization of relations with Israel—and perhaps even broad regional collaborations—as a gateway to economic recovery and societal healing. As one hopeful citizen declared, "If normalization with Israel, or America or whoever can bring us comfort, then I’m on board. We just want peace!" While challenges and skepticism remain, the groundswell of support for dialogue signals a profound reimagining of Syria’s role in the region and its aspirations for the future.