Syrians in Druze-majority Suwaida reject Israeli statements, affirm sovereignty

Miércoles 26 Febrero 2025 - 11:50

Hundreds of Syrians gathered in the southern city of Suwaida on Tuesday, rallying in a show of national unity and rejecting recent statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The demonstration, held at the city’s central Al-Karama Square, brought together members of trade unions and civil organizations, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding Syria’s territorial sovereignty.

Participants called on the interim Syrian government to raise the issue in international forums, condemning Israeli rhetoric they described as a violation of international norms. Protesters held placards affirming Syria’s unity and their rejection of foreign interference, according to the state-run SANA news agency.

The rally came in response to Netanyahu’s remarks on Sunday, where he reaffirmed Israel’s intent to maintain its military presence on Mount Hermon, a strategic summit captured by Israel after the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in December. Netanyahu also called for the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, including the provinces of Suwaida, Daraa, and Quneitra, citing a commitment to protecting the Druze community and ensuring no threats arise in the region.

Protesters in Suwaida dismissed these assertions, asserting that the Druze community is an integral part of Syria’s social fabric and does not require external protection. They urged national actors to stand united against what they described as an Israeli plan to infringe on Syria’s territorial integrity.

Demonstrators stressed that Syria’s sovereignty must extend across its entire territory, reiterating their opposition to any foreign interference in internal national affairs.