Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The occupation forces continue their violations, and warplanes are entering Gazan airspace at this moment.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The fate of thousands of civilians and journalists remains unknown.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The occupation forces continue bombing various areas of the Gaza Strip.
Hamas: We renew our pledge to our brave prisoners and their families that they will remain at the heart of our priorities, and we will not rest until the last prisoner enjoys freedom.
Hamas: We are awaiting the final approval of the names ahead of announcing them through the Prisoners’ Media Office.
Hamas: We affirm that we have submitted the lists of Palestinian prisoners according to the agreed-upon criteria within the framework of the agreement.
Gaza Media Office: We urge our people not to move around Al-Rashid and Salah al-Din streets or their surrounding areas.
Gaza Government Media Office: We stress to our Palestinian people the need to exercise maximum caution during their movements and travel.
Guterres: I urge all concerned to abide fully by the terms of the agreement.
Guterres welcomes the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of captives in Gaza, based on President Trump’s proposal.

Damascus demands 'Israel' cease actions on its territory: MoD

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 22 Jan 2025 23:34
4 Min Read

The Syrian government has consistently condemned such incursions, urging the international community to hold Israel accountable for its violations of Syrian sovereignty.

Listen
  • x
  • SANA
    Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra (SANA)

Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra has called on "Israel" to stop its actions on Syrian territory, labeling them as illegal. In an interview with Al Majalla magazine on Wednesday, the minister addressed the ongoing tensions with the occupation.

"Israel must stop its atrocities on Syrian territory. Very great efforts are being made to stop them. We say that the country is tired of war and we are not ready to have problems with anyone," Abu Qasra stated.

The minister's remarks come amid escalating concerns over "Israel's" expanding its invasion and occupation in Syria.

Reports indicate that in December 2024, "Israel" conducted over 350 airstrikes targeting strategic military sites across Syria. According to Israeli claims, these strikes were aimed at preventing advanced weaponry from falling into the hands of Resistance groups following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government.

This large-scale campaign has been condemned by Damascus as a violation of Syrian sovereignty.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani echoed these sentiments, telling TRT that "these areas belong to the Syrian people, not the regime, and we must defend our homeland. Israel must respect Syria's sovereignty just as they seek security for their own borders and homes."

Read more: New Syrian leadership to privatize oil, cotton, ports to boost economy

In addition to the airstrikes, Israeli officials have been covertly plotting to push for the division of Syria into cantons through an international summit. The plan, proposed in December following the collapse of the Assad government, allegedly aims to secure the rights of various ethnic groups but has faced criticism for being a potential exploitation of Syria's fragmented state.

Related News

Iran interested in resuming nuclear talks: Lavrov

SDC condemns Turkish occupation of Ras al-Ain and Tal Abyad

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen has reportedly spearheaded discussions about such a summit, while Israeli security officials express concerns about the influence of the new Syrian leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa and the growing role of Turkiye in Syria. The Israeli regime, according to Israel Hayom, fears that any initiative tied to "Israel" may face outright rejection in Syria.

"The main fear is that an idea that is identified with Israel will necessarily not be accepted in Syria, which is why the discussions on the matter are classified," Israel Hayom further stated.

Frustration grows in Quneitra

"Israel's" activities in Syria have gone beyond diplomatic maneuvering. On December 21, 2024, Israeli occupation forces established military positions atop strategic hills in southern Syria's Quneitra Governorate, violating Syria's territorial integrity. Reports revealed the occupation of nearly 95% of Quneitra and the destruction of Syrian military infrastructure in the region. The Israeli Occupation Forces also bulldozed agricultural lands to create roads linking villages and extended its control over water resources.

The occupation's military presence has provoked local resistance. Protests in Quneitra have been met with violence, as Israeli forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators, injuring several. Local residents have expressed frustration with both the Israeli advances and the inaction of Syria's new leadership.

IOF prepare for long stay

Adding to the complexity, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have instructed the military to prepare for a prolonged presence in Syria, with plans to remain in the Mount Hermon area and the UN-monitored buffer zone until at least the end of 2025. Netanyahu cited security concerns related to rebel groups now in power as justification for the extended occupation.

In parallel, Syrian officials have sought to raise international awareness of these developments. Damascus has formally complained to the UN Security Council regarding Israeli airstrikes and territorial incursions, with residents voicing anger over the silence from the international community.

Read more: Israeli strikes on Syria violate international law: UN experts

The newly installed Syrian leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa has taken a softer stance toward "Israel", with Governor Maher Marwan expressing no interest in conflict. "We want peace, and we cannot be an opponent to Israel or anyone," Marwan stated, adding that the administration seeks coexistence and improved relations.

Despite these assurances, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar described the new Syrian government as a "terrorist gang" and expressed skepticism about its intentions. 

  • Syria
  • Murhaf Abu Qasra
  • Israel
  • HTS

Most Read

Tucker Carlson speaks at a memorial for Charlie Kirk, Sunday, September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (AP)

Tucker Carlson: Israeli officers gave orders on Iran inside Pentagon

  • Politics
  • 2 Oct 2025
A Hamas fighter in combat fatigues stands before the ceremony for the handover of Israeli captives to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, February 22, 2025 (AP)

Hamas responds to Trump plan, backs Gaza withdrawal, exchange

  • Politics
  • 3 Oct 2025
Mossad’s secret role in Aldo Moro’s 1978 murder revealed

Mossad’s secret role in Aldo Moro’s 1978 murder exposed

  • Politics
  • 5 Oct 2025
The Palestinian resistance and the people of Gaza showed that after combating Israeli aggression for two years, they remain victorious in the face of oppression (Mahdi Rteil/Al Mayadeen English)

Al-Aqsa Flood two years on, a tale of victory

  • Politics
  • 6 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
An Israeli armored vehicle moves on a street of a local market during a military raid in the West Bank refugee camp of Balata, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Israeli settlers kill Palestinian youth near Ramallah amid raids

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks during the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Iran interested in resuming nuclear talks: Lavrov

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks during a news conference at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters in Washington, April 25, 2025 (AP)
Politics

IMF head flags US budget, Europe Defense spending challenges

Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at UN headquarters (AP)
Politics

Meloni faces ICC complaint over Gaza genocide complicity with Israelis

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS