Hadil Al-Shalchi

It's very rare that Israeli soldiers speak out against the military, and especially to criticize the government. But hundreds of Israeli paratroopers, Navy SEALs, military students and retired Air Force officers are increasingly signing letters critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza.

It's very rare that Israeli soldiers speak out against the military, and especially to criticize the government. But hundreds of Israeli paratroopers, Navy SEALs, military students and retired Air Force officers are increasingly signing letters critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza.

In a letter published this week, hundreds of Navy SEALs demanded the return of the hostages, even at the cost of, quote, an immediate halt to the fighting. Last week, the Israeli military said it would fire any active Air Force reservists who signed their open letter, which said that the war is serving Netanyahu's political interests instead of prioritizing bringing back the hostages.

In a letter published this week, hundreds of Navy SEALs demanded the return of the hostages, even at the cost of, quote, an immediate halt to the fighting. Last week, the Israeli military said it would fire any active Air Force reservists who signed their open letter, which said that the war is serving Netanyahu's political interests instead of prioritizing bringing back the hostages.

Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

They're also slated to talk about a new hostage deal, which despite American intervention, broke down last month and Israel renewed its offensive in Gaza, killing more than a thousand Palestinians in less than a month, according to health officials.

They're also slated to talk about a new hostage deal, which despite American intervention, broke down last month and Israel renewed its offensive in Gaza, killing more than a thousand Palestinians in less than a month, according to health officials.

And just a reminder, last time the two met, Trump announced his vision of displacing Palestinians in Gaza and rebuilding it into some sort of Riviera resort town under U.S. ownership, which, you know, the Israeli government and military have been moving on making it a reality. NPR's Hadil Al-Shalchi reporting.

And just a reminder, last time the two met, Trump announced his vision of displacing Palestinians in Gaza and rebuilding it into some sort of Riviera resort town under U.S. ownership, which, you know, the Israeli government and military have been moving on making it a reality. NPR's Hadil Al-Shalchi reporting.

In a statement posted on the Syrian presidency's telegram account, President Bashar al-Assad said his departure from Damascus was, quote, "...neither planned nor did it occur in the final hours of the battle." Esed said that as the rebel forces entered the capital on December 8th, he moved to a military airbase in the port city of Latakia in coordination with Russian allies.

In a statement posted on the Syrian presidency's telegram account, President Bashar al-Assad said his departure from Damascus was, quote, "...neither planned nor did it occur in the final hours of the battle." Esed said that as the rebel forces entered the capital on December 8th, he moved to a military airbase in the port city of Latakia in coordination with Russian allies.

Esed goes on to say that upon arrival at the base, it was clear that his army had withdrawn from all battle lines and all their positions had fallen. He said Moscow then arranged an immediate evacuation that evening as the base came under drone attacks. The statement was dated December 16th from Moscow. Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Damascus.

Esed goes on to say that upon arrival at the base, it was clear that his army had withdrawn from all battle lines and all their positions had fallen. He said Moscow then arranged an immediate evacuation that evening as the base came under drone attacks. The statement was dated December 16th from Moscow. Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News, Damascus.

Half a century of rule by President Bashar al-Assad and his family finally came to an end today after the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed he had resigned and left Syria. Russian state media said it had granted asylum to Assad and his family. It took less than two weeks for rebel opposition forces to overcome pro-government factions taking city after city. until they stormed Damascus Sunday.

Half a century of rule by President Bashar al-Assad and his family finally came to an end today after the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed he had resigned and left Syria. Russian state media said it had granted asylum to Assad and his family. It took less than two weeks for rebel opposition forces to overcome pro-government factions taking city after city. until they stormed Damascus Sunday.

The Assad family ruled Syria with an iron fist, and in 2011, it sparked a bloody civil war when it tried to crush a popular uprising which started as peaceful protests. There was celebration on the streets of Damascus, people hugging, crying, and toppling statues of Assad and his father, Hafez.

The Assad family ruled Syria with an iron fist, and in 2011, it sparked a bloody civil war when it tried to crush a popular uprising which started as peaceful protests. There was celebration on the streets of Damascus, people hugging, crying, and toppling statues of Assad and his father, Hafez.

Videos online showed Syrians filming themselves in hidden bunkers and going through Assad's closets and taking clothes. Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News.

Videos online showed Syrians filming themselves in hidden bunkers and going through Assad's closets and taking clothes. Hadil Al-Shalchi, NPR News.