Following significant clashes in the Sweida province, al-Shara's condemnation marks a pivotal moment in Syrian-Israeli relations amidst fears of broader conflicts.
**Syria's President Expresses Strong Criticism of Israeli Airstrikes amidst Rising Sectarian Tensions**
**Syria's President Expresses Strong Criticism of Israeli Airstrikes amidst Rising Sectarian Tensions**
Syria's President Ahmed al-Shara highlights the Israeli military's airstrikes in Damascus, raising concerns over potential escalations in sectarian violence.
Amid escalating tensions in Syria, President Ahmed al-Shara delivered his sternest condemnation of Israel since taking office, directly criticizing airstrikes targeting government facilities in Damascus. The strikes occurred near the presidential palace and damaged parts of the Ministry of Defense following deadly clashes in the southern province of Sweida.
During a televised speech, al-Shara accused Israel of attempting to instigate "chaos" within the country. His comments came in the wake of violence reshaping the region, as government forces clashed with local Bedouin tribes and Druse militias. The clashes, ignited by fears of an assault from the Syrian government, sparked unrest that could potentially escalate into wider sectarian conflict.
The situation has drawn attention from Israel, which has a significant Druse minority population and a vested interest in the stability of the region. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of increased military action if the Syrian government did not withdraw from Sweida, leading to airstrikes in both Sweida and Damascus. This latest round of strikes represents an escalation of Israel's ongoing military campaign in Syria, which has seen hundreds of airstrikes since al-Shara’s rebel faction took power from Bashar al-Assad in December.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, conflicts in Sweida have left at least 350 casualties, including civilians, government soldiers, and Druse fighters. In light of this crisis, a cease-fire was announced following American, Arab, and Turkish mediation. Al-Shara stated that local leaders and elders would manage security in Sweida moving forward, emphasizing state responsibility for protecting the Druse community.
During a televised speech, al-Shara accused Israel of attempting to instigate "chaos" within the country. His comments came in the wake of violence reshaping the region, as government forces clashed with local Bedouin tribes and Druse militias. The clashes, ignited by fears of an assault from the Syrian government, sparked unrest that could potentially escalate into wider sectarian conflict.
The situation has drawn attention from Israel, which has a significant Druse minority population and a vested interest in the stability of the region. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of increased military action if the Syrian government did not withdraw from Sweida, leading to airstrikes in both Sweida and Damascus. This latest round of strikes represents an escalation of Israel's ongoing military campaign in Syria, which has seen hundreds of airstrikes since al-Shara’s rebel faction took power from Bashar al-Assad in December.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, conflicts in Sweida have left at least 350 casualties, including civilians, government soldiers, and Druse fighters. In light of this crisis, a cease-fire was announced following American, Arab, and Turkish mediation. Al-Shara stated that local leaders and elders would manage security in Sweida moving forward, emphasizing state responsibility for protecting the Druse community.
