Syria’s al-Sharaa vows to promote peace and unity amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

As Syria continues to navigate its tumultuous political landscape, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s recent remarks at the Doha Forum serve as a pivotal moment for understanding the complexities of regional security dynamics. With Israel’s military actions drawing scrutiny, al-Sharaa argues that these maneuvers are often employed as distractions from Israel’s own internal issues, notably the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. His comments highlight Syria’s efforts to foster stability in a region fraught with conflict while also calling for adherence to longstanding agreements aimed at peace and order.

Syria Accuses Israel of Heightened Tensions Amid Regional Strife

Doha, Qatar – In a pointed critique directed at Israeli military actions, Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa expressed concern that Israel is amplifying regional tensions as a pretext for diverting attention from its violent confrontations in Gaza. In an interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour during the Newsmaker Interview at the Doha Forum, al-Sharaa accused Israeli leaders of habitually exporting crises to neighboring countries. He asserted that these leaders often cite security concerns as justification for expanding military operations.

“They justify everything, using their security concerns, taking events like October 7 and extrapolating them to everything happening around them,” he remarked, describing Israel as a nation engaged in a campaign against “ghosts.” The assertion highlights his belief that Israel’s narrative of insecurity often belies its aggressive actions.

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, Israeli forces have conducted frequent airstrikes across Syria, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians while also expanding its ground operations in southern regions. Notably, last month, Israeli military actions resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals in the Damascus countryside town of Beit Jinn. These operations have raised concerns over Israel’s increasing incursions into Syrian territory, which include establishing multiple checkpoints and the illegal detention of Syrian citizens.

President al-Sharaa noted that despite the escalation from Israel, his administration has made deliberate efforts to de-escalate tensions and foster regional peace. “We have sent positive messages,” he emphasized, reiterating Syria’s commitment to a future free from conflict.

In response to the need for a stable regional framework, al-Sharaa called for Israel to retreat to its pre-conflict borders, urging adherence to the 1974 Disengagement Accord that established a ceasefire following the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He cautioned that any efforts to replace this agreement with new structures could lead the region into a “serious and dangerous place.”

Al-Sharaa also refuted assertions that the conflicts in Syria are reflective of a singular religious uprising, emphasizing that representatives from all segments of Syrian society participated in the struggle against the former regime. He stressed that true unity is being achieved despite the inherent challenges faced by a diverse population in a country that has historically been divided.

With regards to the role of women in Syria’s future, al-Sharaa asserted that under his leadership, women’s rights are protected and promoted, asserting their empowerment as crucial for the country’s development. He humorously suggested that concerns should shift from the welfare of women to that of men, emphasizing the need for balanced attention to all demographics.

Looking forward, al-Sharaa is committed to strengthening Syria’s institutions and has indicated plans for conducting parliamentary elections within five years of the temporary constitutional declaration made in March. He reinforced that the democratic principle of people choosing their leaders is vital, framing it as a cornerstone of governance reflective of Syria’s cultural heritage and Islamic values.

The Syrian president’s remarks underscore the complexities of regional geopolitics while highlighting Syria’s aspirations for a peaceful, inclusive future.

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