RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the Israeli airstrike near the presidential palace in Damascus, calling it a violation of Syria’s sovereignty.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry, in a statement on Friday, reiterated the Kingdom’s firm rejection of the Israeli attacks that violate the sovereignty, security, and stability of Syria.
The Kingdom stressed the urgent need to put an end to Israel’s blatant violations of international law in Syria and the region. It warned that the continuation of these violations and Israel’s extremist policies heightens the risks of violence, extremism, and regional instability.
The airstrike occurred early Friday, followed by reported warnings from Israeli authorities to the Syrian government against moving toward Druze-populated villages in southern Syria.
Syria’s presidency described the Israeli attack as a “dangerous escalation against state institutions and the sovereignty of the state,” and urged the international community to take a stand against such violations. It warned that the strike not only threatens Syria’s national security but also the unity of its people.
In a statement, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s office described the Israeli military strikes as a “reprehensible attack [that] reflects the continued reckless actions seeking to destabilise the country and exacerbate security crises”.
“Syria will not compromise its sovereignty or security and will continue to defend the rights of its people by all available means,” it said, urging Arab states and the international community to support the country.
Israel’s strike marked the second such attack this week, with Israeli officials stating it was intended to send a message to Syria’s transitional government, headed by al-Sharaa.
