Qatar denounces Israeli attack on Damascus, labeling it a "flagrant breach" of Syrian sovereignty.
Why Qatar Slams Israeli Air Strike Near Syrian Presidential Palace
In a blatant display of defiance, Qatar's Foreign Ministry has lambasted an Israeli air strike on an area close to Damascus' presidential palace, branding it a "brazen act of aggression" against Syrian sovereignty. The ministry's statement, released swiftly following the Israeli army's announcement of the attack, vehemently denounced the strike while pledging ongoing support for Syria's autonomy, territorial integrity, and the security of its people.
Meanwhile, the Israeli authorities maintained that the attack was directed at rebel groups near southern Damascus, posing a potential threat to the Druze community. The timing of the strike, occurring just hours after prominent Druze leaders emphasized their commitment to Syria's unity and rejected divide-and-conquer tactics, has raised eyebrows.
Analysis suggests that Israel's military intervention may have ulterior motives, aiming to exploit sectarian tensions among Syria's Druze population to justify intervention and fuel fragmentation. Yet Damascus has consistently upheld that all religious and ethnic groups in the region are equal in rights and representation.
Druze Leaders Stand Firm on Syrian Solidarity
Some Druze leaders, particularly those in Israel, have expressed their support for Israel's protection of the Druze minority in Syria. Notably, Sheikh Muafak Tarif, the spiritual head of the Israeli Druze, praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the recent airstrikes, stating they served as a "deterrent message" to the Syrian regime regarding their commitment to Syria's Druze community. Israeli Druze also staged demonstrations in northern Israel, appealing to their countrymen to protect their brothers in Syria.
This applied military action, however, may have far-reaching effects on Syria's unity. Tensions between Syria and Israel could escalate, potentially destabilizing the country and obstructing peace efforts. Sectarian divisions could widen, fostering animosity and potentially challenging unity initiatives. The Syrian government's response to these strikes could lead to increased polarization domestically. Internationally, the perceived legitimacy of Israel's actions could impact support for Syria, either viewed as protection or as unwarranted interference.
Ultimately, these developments risk undermining efforts to achieve unity in Syria, potentially exacerbating internal divisions and external tensions.
- The United Nations has called for an immediate de-escalation, reaffirming the importance of resolving war-and-conflicts through diplomatic means.
- The President of Lebanon has issued a statement, expressing concern over the rising tension between Israel and Syria, and urging both parties to exercise restraint.
- News outlets are reporting increasing tension in Gaza, as Palestinian groups have threatened retaliatory attacks against Israel.
- The Israeli Ministry of Defense has released a statement, denying any intent to target civilians or destabilize the region, emphasizing the need to curb attacks launched from Syrian territory.
- Qatar's Foreign Minister has expressed solidarity with Palestine in a recent news conference, calling for a swift end to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict and the protection of Palestinian rights.
- Israeli President Reuven Rivlin has appealed for calm, stating that the strike was a necessary response to prevent future attacks on Israeli soil.
- The general news is filled with reports of rising fragmentation across the Middle East, as political alliances and conflicts shift in the wake of these developments.
- The International Committee of the Red Cross has stated its concern over the potential impact of the ongoing tension on essential services and civilian populations in the region.
- A spokesperson for Hamas has issued a statement, warning of possible retaliation for the Israeli air strike near the Syrian Presidential Palace.
- Some political analysts believe that Qatar's stance against Israel could further strategic alliances in the region, with nations like Iran potentially filling the void left by reduced Qatari support.
- The European Union has urged both Israel and Syria to engage in dialog, prioritizing a peaceful resolution to the crisis to ensure stability in the broader Middle East.
