GCC says Israeli attacks on Syria are a threat to regional peace

RIYADH/ANKARA: As Israel continues targeting Syria amid the violence in the Druze-majority areas, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) described the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of the country’s sovereignty, while Turkiye listed in an attempt to sabotage peace.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in a statement said the air campaign represented a “flagrant violation” of Syria’s sovereignty, “a breach of international laws and norms, and a serious threat to regional security and stability”.

Read more: Syria to punish abusers in Sweida, Israel strikes Damascus

In this connection, he reaffirmed the six-member regional grouping’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity, saying the unending Israeli attacks constituted an “irresponsible escalation” and disregarded international efforts to achieve stability in Syria and the region.

He also called for international action to stop the “serious violations, hold the perpetrators accountable, and work diligently to protect the Syrian people and preserve its sovereignty in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law”.​

Separately, Turkiye’s foreign ministry said Israeli air strikes on Damascus – targeting the Syrian military headquarters, defence ministry and areas around it – aim to sabotage Syria’s efforts to establish peace and security.

Read more: Khamenei says Israel war meant to ‘overthrow system’ in Iran

The ministry, according to Reuters, said Syria had a historic opportunity to live in peace and integrate into the world after the toppling Bashar al-Assad, the former president, in December.

WASHINGTON IS IN CONTACT

Washington is talking with both Israel and Syria after the Israelis bombed the Syrian army headquarters in Damascus, the top US diplomat said Wednesday, expressing concern at the attack.

“We’re talking to both sides, all the relevant sides on this and hopefully we can bring it to a conclusion, but we’re very concerned,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

FRANCE FOR AN END TO ABUSES

Meanwhile, France called for an end to “abuses targeting civilians” in Sweida, AFP reported.

“The abuses targeting civilians, which we strongly condemn, must stop,” the foreign ministry said, calling for an “immediate cessation of clashes” and urging all sides to respect a ceasefire announced on Tuesday.

EU IS ALSO ALARMED

Similarly, the European Union said it was “alarmed” by the continued clashes in the Druze-majority Sweida, calling on all sides to implement a ceasefire and protect civilians.

A statement by the EU’s diplomatic arm also urged “all external actors” to “fully respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” after Israel carried out strikes in support of the Druze population.