Al-Azhar al-Sharif, an Islamic scientific body and the largest religious institution in Egypt, strongly condemned the recent Israeli aggression targeting Syrian territory, describing it as part of a broader agenda by the occupation to spread chaos and instability across the region.

In a statement issued today, Al-Azhar affirmed that "this aggression reflects the occupation's ongoing agenda to destabilize the region through repeated violations against its nations and peoples, under the cover of habitual international silence and in clear breach of both international and humanitarian law."

The statement underscored that "Israel’s" actions represent a serious breach of legal norms and international conventions, warning that such unchecked aggression only increases tensions and undermines prospects for peace.

Al-Azhar warned that the occupation aims to push the entire region toward an explosion, driven by ambitions to seize more land and impose a new reality of occupation.

Call for Syrian unity against sectarian agendas

Al-Azhar urged the Syrian people to remain united across religious and sectarian lines, emphasizing that "the strength of Syria lies in its people's unity and their ability to coexist peacefully."

The statement also cautioned against efforts to sow division and sectarian strife, describing them as tools of Zionist agendas aimed at fragmenting Syria and turning the region into a perpetual battleground.

Al-Azhar concluded with a call for the preservation of Syria’s territorial integrity and stability, praying for the safety and unity of the Syrian people. It invoked God's protection against conflict and destructive schemes, and wished for peace, security, and prosperity in Syria and across the Arab and Islamic world.

Extensive Israeli strikes hit Syria

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Security Minister Israel Katz announced that they have instructed the occupation military to launch strikes against Syrian government forces, citing attacks on members of the Druze community in Syria. Airstrikes were launched almost immediately after the statement was released. 

Southern Syria witnessed an escalation overnight Tuesday-Wednesday, with Israeli airstrikes targeting military sites around Sweida and Daraa. This coincided with unprecedented internal tensions between the transitional government in Damascus and the authorities in Jabal al-Arab.

Local sources reported to Al Mayadeen that Israeli occupation aircraft launched a series of raids targeting supply lines for military factions affiliated with the Syrian transitional Ministry of Defense, outside the city of Sweida and in the vicinity of Daraa province.

The sources stated that the Thaala military airport was among the direct targets, and the raids resulted in deaths and injuries among the forces stationed there.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces conducted an airstrike on Syria’s Defense Ministry in Damascus, while also targeting a military vehicle belonging to Syrian government forces in the city of Sweida.

The Israeli Occupation Forces struck the entrance of the Syrian regime's General Staff headquarters in the capital Damascus, as local media reported Israeli aircraft were seen flying in the skies over the city.

Read more: US urges 'Israel' to halt Syria airstrikes, Tel Aviv pledges to stop