DAMASCUS. Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, emphasized that Syria is focused on rebuilding after years of war and is not interested in new conflicts, despite recent Israeli attacks on its territory.
Sharaa, the head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, recently led the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, ending the Assad family’s five-decade authoritarian rule. Speaking to Syria TV, a pro-opposition channel, Sharaa accused Israel of using “false pretexts” to justify its military actions.
“Israeli arguments have become weak and no longer justify their recent violations. The Israelis have clearly crossed the lines of engagement in Syria, which poses a threat of unwarranted escalation in the region,” Sharaa stated.
Following Assad’s removal, Israel moved into a demilitarized zone inside Syria established after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. This includes the Syrian side of Mount Hermon near Damascus, where Israeli forces have occupied an abandoned Syrian military post.
Israel has characterized the incursion as a temporary measure to ensure border security and stated it has no intention of permanent occupation. However, it has conducted airstrikes targeting Syria’s strategic weapons stockpiles, drawing sharp criticism from Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan. These countries have condemned what they described as Israel’s seizure of a buffer zone in the Golan Heights.
Sharaa underlined Syria’s need for stability after years of devastating conflict. “Syria’s war-weary condition, after years of conflict and war, does not allow for new confrontations. The priority at this stage is reconstruction and stability, not being drawn into disputes that could lead to further destruction,” he asserted.
He also highlighted the importance of diplomacy in resolving regional tensions. “Diplomatic solutions are the only way to ensure security and stability, and uncalculated military adventures are not wanted,” Sharaa added.
Sharaa also touched on Syria’s relationship with Russia, which played a decisive role in supporting Assad’s regime through military intervention nearly a decade ago. Russia has since granted asylum to Assad following his ouster.
“The current stage requires careful management of international relations. Syria’s relationship with Russia should serve common interests,” Sharaa said, signaling a pragmatic approach to foreign diplomacy.
As Syria begins a new chapter, Sharaa’s statements focus on reconstruction and avoiding further escalation in a region already fraught with tensions.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
