Smoke billows following Israeli strikes near the Syrian army and defence ministry headquarters in Damascus. AFP
In a statement, the Islamic institution said Israel's repeated aggression on countries and peoples of the region aims to drag the entire Middle East to the brink of explosion in pursuit of its expansionist goals.
Al-Azhar added that these blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law occur amid international silence.
The world's leading Islamic institution urged the Syrian people to unite despite their religious and sectarian diversity, reminding them that their strength lies in unity.
The statement also called on all Syrians to stay vigilant against any attempts to divide them as part of the Zionist agenda to fragment Syria and turn the whole region into a battlefield.
Furthermore, it urged the Syrian people to prioritize their country’s stability and territorial integrity, which would shield them from wicked schemes.
On Thursday, the Syrian government said local leaders will assume control over the city of Sweida to end the violence that has claimed hundreds of lives amid Israeli military intervention.
This came as Israel launched attacks against government troops in Sweida and Damascus on Wednesday, vowing it would intensify strikes if they did not withdraw from the south.
Short link: