Syrian police officers and emergency personnel gather near the Four Seasons Hotel following two explosions nearby in Damascus on July 7, 2026. Two explosions took place in central Damascus on July 7 near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron spent the night, a Syrian security source told AFP. The blasts came moments before Syrian state television announced Macron's arrival to the presidential palace to meet leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)