Smoke billows following Israeli strikes near the Syrian army and defence ministry headquarters in Damascus. AFP
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Turkey emphasised that Syria's security and stability are fundamental to regional security and a shared priority.
According to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, the top diplomats held extensive discussions on the latest developments in Syria, stressing the importance of maintaining a unified position.
They called for joint international efforts to support the Syrian government in rebuilding the country on foundations that guarantee its security, stability, unity, sovereignty, and the rights of all its citizens.
The statement also welcomed the Sweida agreement, underscoring the need for its implementation to safeguard Syria's unity and sovereignty, prevent further bloodshed, and uphold the protection of civilians and the rule of law.
They also praised Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa's commitment to holding all those responsible for violations against citizens in Sweida accountable.
Additionally, the statement expressed support for all efforts to restore security, state sovereignty, and the rule of law across Sweida and all Syrian territory, while rejecting violence, sectarianism, and attempts to incite division and hatred.
The ministers condemned repeated Israeli attacks on Syria as blatant violations of international law and flagrant assaults on Syria's sovereignty.
The statement affirmed that such violations undermine Syria's security, stability, and territorial integrity, as well as the Syrian government's efforts to rebuild the country in line with the aspirations of its people.
The ministers called on the UN Security Council (UNSC) to fulfil its legal and moral responsibilities to ensure Israel's complete withdrawal from occupied Syrian territories and halt Israel's hostile actions and interference in Syria.
The statement further emphasised the necessity of implementing UNSC Resolution 2766 and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel.
On Tuesday, Israel carried out airstrikes against Syrian government forces in the predominantly Druze southern Syria's Sweida province.
The Israeli attacks followed the breaking out of clashes between residents of the city and government forces, with Tel Aviv vowing to protect the Druze population.
According to AFP, nearly 600 people have been killed in Sweida, following several days of clashes and violence, along with Israeli strikes.
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