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: Two were martyred in an initial toll of the Israeli drone strike that targeted the al-Asira neighborhood in the city of Baalbek, eastern Lebanon
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: An Israeli drone strike targeted the al-Asira neighborhood east of Baalbek, eastern Lebanon
Sheikh Naim Qassem to the pager attack survivors: You are the greatest resistance. Know that 'Israel' will fall because it embodies aggression, crime, and occupation; victory is truly yours
Sheikh Qassem to the pager attack survivors: The value of what you are doing despite your wounds is immense, and here you are, treading the path of the Master of Nation's Martyrs and the leaders
Sheikh Qassem to the pager attack survivors: You are moving forward with insight deeper than sight itself. The enemy sought to eliminate your role in the battle, yet you remain steadfast and continue the fight
Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem to the pager attack survivors one year later: You are healing from your wounds and rising above them. You have successfully passed the test
Palestinian media: Reports of stabbing operation in occupied al-Quds.
Israeli media: Sirens blare in Arava in South, near Ramon Airport.
Egyptian PM Mostafa Madbouli: Egypt is targeted in plans to redraw regional map
AEOI Chief Mohammad Eslami: Our presence in IAEA General Council and fact-checking helped in preventing unilateral rhetoric that aims to portray Iran as an unregulated country

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

Syria's al-Sharaa: Security deal with 'Israel' is a necessity

Israeli forces forcibly displacing residents of southern Syria: HRW

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

Uprising against Volker Turk at the Human Rights Council over Gaza.

Uprising against Volker Turk at the Human Rights Council over Gaza

  • Politics
  • 12 Sep 2025
A screengrab from the ad played on Fox News. (X Screengrab)

Fox airs ad warning Trump not to let Netanyahu 'play' him on Gaza

  • US & Canada
  • 11 Sep 2025
Lapid: Egypt’s Arab Force plan a 'severe blow' to normalization

Lapid: Egypt’s Arab Force plan a 'severe blow' to normalization

  • Palestine
  • 14 Sep 2025
UKLFI’s latest faux pas, like "Israel’s" recent failed attempt at regime change in Iran, is unambiguously indicative of a flailing entity on the verge of extinction. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Zeinab el-Hajj)

Zionist lawfare operation facing collapse?

  • Opinion
  • 13 Sep 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A Hezbollah supporter who lost his sight in a pager attack carried out by "Israel" on Sept. 17, 2024, covers his eyes with a red headband inscribed with the name "Hussein" during Ashoura, July 6, 2025 (AP)
Politics

'We Have Recovered': Lebanon marks 1st anniversary of Pager Attack

The Arab neighborhood of El Za'im, on the outskirts of east Occupied Al-Quds in the West Bank, near where Israeli government says housing units will be built as part of the E1 settlement project, Thursday, August 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Palestine

'Israel’s' deliberate policies drive West Bank economy toward collapse

Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Politics

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder resigns over parent company curbing activism

Trump’s approval rating falls to new low in second term: Poll
US & Canada

Trump’s approval rating falls to new low in second term: Poll

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