Ankara: Norway, Germany, France, Switzerland and the EU on Wednesday voiced concern over Israel's recent airstrikes in southern Syria, warning the escalation could threaten regional stability and undermine efforts for a peaceful transition. 'The EU is alarmed by the continued clashes in Sweida (Suwayda), which have resulted in many casualties, and strongly condemns the reported violence against civilians,' EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said in a statement.
According to Anadolu Agency, the transitional authorities have the responsibility to de-escalate and restore calm, to ensure accountability for all crimes and to take forward an inclusive transition. In light of Israel's escalating strikes on Syrian territory, external actors are urged to fully respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Germany also criticized the Israeli airstrikes and called on all sides to avoid further destabilizing the country.
The German Foreign Ministry emphasized that Syria must not become a plaything of foreign powers and that its sovereignty must be safeguarded. Ministry spokesman Christian Wagner stressed that Israel must have an interest in a stable Syria and in an effective Syrian government that ensures security for all population groups across the country. The main priority, he added, must be that the government in Damascus is able to act and can also ensure security in all parts of Syria, involving all population groups in the process.
France expressed 'deep concern' over the 'serious developments' in Syria's southern Suwayda region and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The French Foreign Ministry supports the efforts of the Syrian transitional authorities and the leaders of the Suwayda region to return to dialogue and calls for a lasting agreement to strengthen Syria's unity, stability, and sovereignty, as well as the security of all Syrians. The ministry firmly condemns abuses targeting civilians and stresses that the ceasefire announced must be respected by all parties.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed alarm over the escalating violence in Syria and urged all actors to exercise maximum restraint. Switzerland also voiced concern over the situation, urging for an immediate ceasefire respected by all parties and emphasizing the need to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilians.
Israel renewed its airstrikes in Suwayda, southern Syria, on Wednesday, claiming the attacks aim to protect the Druze community in Syria. The strikes coincided with the Syrian army's deployment of forces in the province to restore security and protect civilians and their property, following clashes between armed Druze and Bedouin groups that left at least 30 people dead.