Tens of thousands of Syrians celebrated the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, gathering in public squares across the country. The first Friday prayer after his ousting saw large crowds at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, where messages of freedom and unity were loudly proclaimed. Despite the celebration, significant humanitarian challenges persist. The European Union announced plans to deliver essential aid, while Israel continued its military operations in Syria. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for continued support amidst the ongoing instability.