News|Syria's WarSyria’s al-Sharaa promises peace and unity in face of Israeli aggressionSyrian president accuses Israel using pretexts to justify military actions across the region as he commits to holding elections within the next five years.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has accused Israel of escalating regional tensions as a means to divert attention from its military actions in Gaza. Speaking at the Doha Forum, al-Sharaa stated that Israel frequently uses security concerns as a…
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has accused Israel of escalating regional tensions as a means to divert attention from its military actions in Gaza. Speaking at the Doha Forum, al-Sharaa stated that Israel frequently uses security concerns as a justification for military expansion.
Since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, Israel has conducted numerous air strikes and ground operations in Syria, resulting in casualties and territorial advances. Israeli forces recently killed 13 individuals in Beit Jinn, Damascus countryside. Additionally, Israel has established multiple checkpoints and detained Syrian citizens.
Al-Sharaa emphasized that his administration has sought to reduce tensions with Israel, sending "positive messages" for regional peace. However, he reported continued violations of Syrian airspace by Israel.
Al-Sharaa called for Israel to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement Accord, which established a United Nations-monitored buffer zone on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. He warned against replacing this longstanding agreement with new arrangements, such as a buffer or demilitarized zone.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has accused Israel of escalating regional tensions as a means to divert attention from its military actions in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently indicated that a deal with Syria is possible but expects the creation of a demilitarized buffer zone extending from Damascus to the Golan Heights.
Addressing internal unity, al-Sharaa noted progress and challenges in Syria. He highlighted efforts to pardon individuals and factions to build a secure future. Al-Sharaa rejected the notion that the uprising against al-Assad was sectarian, emphasizing that all components of Syrian society participated.
Recent sectarian violence has occurred, including incidents in coastal areas and Suwayda, involving government forces and various groups.
Al-Sharaa asserted that women are "empowered" under his administration, with rights protected and opportunities for participation in government and parliament emphasized.
Al-Sharaa committed to strengthening Syrian institutions and conducting elections within five years from the signing of the Constitutional Declaration in March. He reiterated the importance of popular support for legitimate governance.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
