Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara Condemns Israeli Airstrikes Near the Presidential Palace
Mohamed Aboelsoud 
The Syrian Presidency issued a statement saying it “strongly condemns” the airstrikes that targeted the vicinity of the Presidential Palace in Damascus yesterday, Thursday, and called on Arab states to stand by Syria during these difficult times.
According to the statement, the Israeli military carried out the air raids around the Presidential Palace in a clear message to Ahmad al-Shara and the militias loyal to him, under the pretext of protecting the Druze who are demanding international protection.
Mowafaq Tarif head of the Druze community in Israel, praised the Israeli action, regarding it as a gesture of friendship. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defense Minister said in a joint statement that the strike was “a clear message to anyone who dares attack the Druze loyal to Israel.” Netanyahu added that Ahmad al-Shara must “recalculate” his treatment of the various factions and minorities within Syria.
Arab States Condemn Saudi Arabia and Qatar toda Friday, condemned the Israeli airstrike near the Presidential Palace, warning that continued violations would exacerbate extremism and regional instability.
The Saudi Foreign Minister issued a statement in which the Kingdom “categorically rejects” the Israeli attacks that threaten national and regional security, and emphasized the necessity of halting violations on Syrian soil.
Qatar likewise reiterated its strong condemnation of this brazen attack and renewed its support for the Syrian presidency and people.
It is worth noting that the Syrian government has received backing from some Gulf states and is seeking to bolster Gulf cooperation with Syria.
The Syrian people continue to seek means to deter these successive attacks on their territory and the fragmentation of their map. The Syrian Presidency, with the support of certain Gulf nations, is striving to curb Israeli incursions and external ambitions, particularly those of Turkey and Israel.
