Newsletters
Germany led international condemnation of Israeli airstrikes on Syrian government buildings in Damascus Wednesday, calling on Israel to avoid actions that could destabilize Syria as the country works to establish peace and stability following the Assad regime's collapse.
German Foreign Ministry spokesman Christian Wagner said on Wednesday that Germany is closely monitoring the situation in Syria, including recent events in Sweida province and Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian forces.
"We call on all parties to refrain from steps that could destabilize Syria," Wagner stated during a press briefing at the Federal Press Center, emphasizing that Syria must not become a plaything of foreign powers.
The international response came after Israeli warplanes struck the Syrian Defense Ministry headquarters, General Staff Complex, and Presidential Palace in Damascus, marking a significant escalation in Israeli military intervention in post-Assad Syria.
Wagner stressed that Israel should be interested in a stable Syria with an effective government capable of ensuring security for all population groups nationwide.
"Syria's sovereignty must be protected," he said. "The main priority should be that the Damascus government has administrative capacity and can ensure security in all regions of Syria. To achieve this, all population groups must be included in the process. Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be protected."
The German spokesman emphasized that achieving stability requires involving all population groups in the democratic process while maintaining respect for Syrian territorial integrity.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a written statement on Wednesday condemning Israeli military interventions in southern Syria, followed by attacks on central Damascus.
"Israel's attacks on the center of Damascus following its military interventions in southern Syria are an attempt to sabotage Syria's efforts to establish peace, stability, and security," the ministry statement read.
Ankara noted that the Syrian people face a historic opportunity to live in peace and integrate with the world, calling on all stakeholders supporting this opportunity to contribute to the Syrian administration's efforts to establish tranquility.
The Turkish ruling party spokesperson, Omer Celik, reinforced the condemnation on social media, stating, "We strongly condemn Israel's attacks on Syria. Israel's attacks are a security threat to the entire region and the world. We will continue to support Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Communications Director Duran also published a statement and said, "Israel's attacks on Syria target not only the stability and security of Syria but also the peace of our entire region. I condemn the attack."
European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni called on "all external actors" to respect Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty following the Israeli strikes.
"In light of Israel's increasing attacks on Syrian territory, we call on all external actors to show full respect for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity," El Anouni said in a statement from the EU External Action Service.
The EU expressed concern about clashes in Sweida and "strongly condemned" violence against civilians, urging all parties to comply with the ceasefire agreement reached in the province.
El Anouni emphasized that Syria's new administration is responsible for reducing tensions in the region, restoring calm, and ensuring accountability for all perpetrators.
The French Foreign Ministry called for an immediate end to fighting in Sweida province, expressing concern about serious developments in southern Syria.
"The oppression of civilians, which we decisively condemn, must end immediately," the French statement read, calling attention to the need for all parties to comply with the ceasefire announced by Syrian Defense Minister General Murhaf Abu Qasra.
France expressed support for the current Syrian authorities and Sweida province representatives' efforts to find dialogue pathways, emphasizing Paris's commitment to a lasting agreement that would strengthen Syria's unity, stability, and sovereignty, along with security for all Syrians.
U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Syria Special Representative Tom Barrack condemned violence against civilians in Sweida province through social media statements.
"We decisively condemn the violence against civilians in Sweida," Barrack posted on X. "All parties must step back and establish meaningful dialogue that will result in a lasting ceasefire. Perpetrators must be held accountable."
The U.S. statement emphasized the need for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions to the ongoing tensions in the region.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of intensified attacks against Syrian forces if they do not withdraw from Sweida province entirely.
"The Syrian regime must leave the Druze in Sweida alone and withdraw its forces," Katz stated.
"The army will continue to strike regime forces until they withdraw from the area and will soon escalate its response against the regime if the message is not understood."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israeli Druze citizens, warning them against crossing into Syria while signaling continued military operations.
"Do not cross the border. You could be killed or taken prisoner," Netanyahu said. "Return to your homes; allow the Israeli army to take action."
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called for intensified attacks on Syria, claiming Syrian military forces were targeting the Druze community in Sweida.
1 min read
Despite international condemnation, Israeli military operations continued, with Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir ordering additional reinforcement of collection and strike assets and redeployment of forces to increase the pace of strikes.
"The IDF is committed to the deep alliance with our Druze brothers and, as part of this, is striking targets across Syria to protect them in the As-Suwayda region, the Druze Mountain, and wherever necessary," an Israeli military statement read.
Israeli warplanes reportedly struck nearly 160 targets in Syria since the previous night, mostly in Sweida province, according to public broadcaster KAN.
2 min read
