AMMAN, Jordan — The UN special envoy trying to end Syria’s civil war pushed his call for a cease-fire in direct talks with President Bashar Assad on Sunday, as a deadly explosion rocked Damascus.

Lakhdar Brahimi, who represents the United Nations and the Arab League, has called for a cease-fire between rebels and government forces during the four-day Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, which begins Oct. 26.