The situation in the Middle East has escalated again. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
On July 16, the Israeli army carried out several airstrikes on the center of Damascus. These attacks were conducted not only on the Syrian Ministry of Defense but also near the presidential palace.
These airstrikes occurred against the backdrop of bloody clashes between government forces and Druze militants in the city of Suwayda in southwestern Syria. Reuters reported this.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued an official statement following these attacks. He emphasized that the country's army remains committed to protecting the Druze population in Syria.
At the same time, after the airstrikes, the leader of the Druze announced that a truce had been reached with government forces. However, the current situation in Syria still indicates that it is complex and unstable.
Syria's interim president Ahmad al-Shara addressed the people on Thursday morning, especially the Druze community. He stated that protecting their rights and interests is a priority task.
Al-Shara openly stated that the state of Israel has repeatedly interfered with independent Syria, and this time it is also attempting to create unrest and discord in the country. In his speech, President al-Shara emphasized that if war breaks out, controlling its consequences and restoring stability will be very complicated.
He stated that Syrians will strive to protect their homeland from external interference and divisions. Especially addressing the Druze, he said that Syria will never allow division among its children.
He emphasized that he considers it his duty to protect freedom and rights and firmly rejects any attempts aimed at strengthening alliances or discord with other countries. Al-Shara also noted that despite Israeli interference, relative stability has been restored in the region, and illegal groups have been defeated.
He stated that the country faces two paths: to be drawn into war again or to ensure peace based on national interests. He noted that he is not afraid of war, but considers the peace of the people and the unity of the homeland as a priority.
At the same time, he warned against entering a path that could lead the country into a new large-scale war. According to SANA news, in several regions of Syria, including the city of Aleppo, the population held demonstrations in support of the government and against foreign interference.
This demonstrates the unity of Syrians against external threats. Events have not gone unnoticed on the international stage either.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned Israel's strikes on Suwayda, Daraa, and Damascus. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated, "Reports of Israeli Defense Forces' presence in the Golan Heights and airstrikes are raising significant concerns."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the escalation of the situation and called on all parties to exercise caution. He emphasized that "this is a very serious situation" and that there may be developments in the coming hours.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry also condemned the attacks, labeling them as sabotage against Syria's efforts for peace and stability. The Turkish parliament adopted a resolution strongly condemning Israel's actions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the attack as an expected event and expressed support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stated that the Israeli regime does not recognize any borders and only understands the language of force.
The members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, condemned Israel's airstrikes in the strongest terms. They described these actions as a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty, contrary to international law, and a threat to regional security.
