Ankara: Syria on Wednesday decried Israel's airstrikes on the capital, Damascus, as a political maneuver aimed at escaping from internal pressure facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Syrian government has the full right to assert control over its territory, and the people of Suwayda are a fundamental pillar of the Syrian state, Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa stated in comments carried by the state news agency SANA. He emphasized that the government was not in a position of weakness regarding the situation in Suwayda in southern Syria.

Al-Mustafa mentioned that the Syrian government could have resolved the issue months ago but opted for a joint framework agreement, seeking consensus from all sides. He accused some groups of relying on foreign actors, without specifying which ones, and noted that despite showing flexibility in pursuing political solutions, Damascus faced provocations and a militarized stance against the state.

The Information Minister stressed that the Israeli strikes were not a victory but rather an attempt by Netanyahu's government to escape from internal issues. Meanwhile, Syria's Interior Ministry confirmed a new ceasefire agreement in Suwayda, aiming for full reintegration of the province under central government authority, as reported by SANA.

The ceasefire announcement coincided with Israeli strikes targeting Damascus, Suwayda, and Daraa in southwestern Syria. The Israeli army claims the operations are intended to protect the Druze minority. Clashes have erupted between armed Druze militias and Bedouin groups in Suwayda, following reports of both sides seizing vehicles from each other. The Interior Ministry reported that more than 30 people have been killed and nearly 100 injured in the violence.