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Mr. Cuomo’s announcement came on the eve of three Jewish holidays this weekend — Hoshana Rabbah, Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah.

Pruitt’s public schedule lists back-to-back appointments on the morning of Dec. 12 with Mounia Boucetta, a top official in the foreign ministry; Aziz Rabbah, the minister of energy, mines and sustainable development; and Justice Minister Mohamed Aujjar.

Rabbah’s spokeswoman initially said he would do an in-person interview, then a few hours later said he was no longer available.

Rabbah, who said he supported the Turkish incursion, added: “Afrin is an Arab Syrian land and always will be.”

The motive for the attack wasn’t immediately clear, but a military officer said Sunday that the attacker, who was identified by police as Sedimar Rabbah, returned to the area to retaliate after being beaten by a group of men who accused him of stealing a cellphone.