Syria Detains Senior Palestinian Islamic Jihad Leaders Amid Shift in Alliances

Syrian authorities have arrested two senior leaders of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Khaled Khaled and Yasser al-Zafari, without providing official reasons—a move that marks a significant shift given Syria's historical support for Iran-backed Palestinian groups. The detentions have sparked discontent within PIJ, which has demanded the immediate release of its officials and emphasized its longstanding focus on resisting Israel. These arrests come amid broader geopolitical changes: Syria's new Islamist leadership has severed ties with Iran and is seeking to end international isolation and lift sanctions, with distancing from Iran-backed factions reportedly a U.S. condition for partial relief. Recent Israeli military actions have also targeted Islamic Jihad's alleged command centers in Syria. The developments reflect Syria's strategic pivot away from its former alliances as it seeks regional and international reintegration.