Turkey says 'Israel' greatest threat to regional security
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Turkey called on the Israeli occupation to withdraw from the occupied territories and to cease obstructing efforts aimed at stabilizing Syria.
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An Australian soldier plays the pipes next to a Turkish flag on a pole at half staff during a ceremony to commemorate at the Lone Pine following the Dawn Service ceremony at the Anzac Cove beach, Turkey, Tuesday, April 25, 2023 (AP)
Ankara has condemned the Israeli occupation's actions in the region, calling it the "greatest threat" to regional security due to its attacks on the territorial integrity and national unity of neighboring countries, the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated on Thursday.
The ministry accused the Israeli occupation of fostering chaos, promoting terrorism, and undermining strategic stability. "For security to be established in the region, the Israeli occupation must first abandon its expansionist policies," the statement read.
Turkey also called on the Israeli regime to withdraw from the occupied territories and to cease obstructing efforts aimed at stabilizing Syria.
"It is crucial for the international community to take responsibility in preventing Israel’s reckless aggression," the ministry added, questioning why "Israel" was disturbed by developments in Syria and Lebanon that "hold great promise for stability."
The Turkish statement came in response to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who, during a press conference in Paris, expressed concerns over Turkey’s "negative role" in Syria, Lebanon, and other areas. "They are doing their utmost to turn Syria into a Turkish protectorate, and it is clear that this is their intention," Sa'ar hasaid.
The exchange follows Israeli airstrikes on Syria’s T-4 military airport in Homs on Wednesday night. According to Israeli media citing sources, one of the objectives of the attack was to "send a message to Turkey that Israel will not allow Turkish military bases to be established in the region."
'Israel' attacks Syria
Israeli attacks on Daraa on Wednesday resulted in nearly 20 casualties, including both dead and wounded, while Israeli helicopters were reported flying intensively over the area.
The Israeli military acknowledged facing resistance during its operations in Syria, with a spokesperson stating that "the army encountered some saboteurs."
An Israeli media platform reported "unusual events" near the Syrian border, citing clashes between Israeli forces and what it called "Syrian saboteurs." The report suggested that Israeli troops may have fallen into an ambush in Daraa but did not provide details on casualties or losses among Israeli forces.
Coinciding with this escalation, local sources reported an Israeli incursion with a number of armored vehicles into the Jabaliya Dam forest in the western Daraa countryside. Israeli artillery has also renewed its shelling on the surrounding areas of Tal Jumu, located between the town of Nawa and the village of Tsil in the western Daraa countryside.
In the early hours of Thursday, an attempted Israeli advance near the city of Nawa in Daraa governorate was met with armed resistance from locals, who took up arms to repel the expanding Israeli incursion into Syrian territory.
According to our local sources, mosques in Nawa called for a general mobilization to confront the intensified Israeli incursion into Nawa and Jasem. Meanwhile, Israeli helicopters heavily patrolled the area's airspace.
