Anwar slams Israeli strikes on Damascus as 'clear violation' of int'l law

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has strongly condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Damascus, denouncing them as yet another blatant breach of Syria’s sovereignty that has claimed innocent lives.

“These strikes constitute a clear violation of international law and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria,” he said on Facebook this morning.

Anwar emphasised that Syria, having suffered years of turmoil, deserves peace, not further bloodshed or foreign interference.

“Malaysia stands in solidarity with the Syrian people, and calls for an immediate end to such violations and a renewed commitment to humanitarian principles and the rule of law,” he added.

UN calls for immediate de-escalation

In New York, United Nations secretary-general António Guterres expressed alarm over the ongoing violence in southern Syria.

“He unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, including reports of arbitrary killings and acts that fan the flames of sectarian tensions and rob the people of Syria of their opportunity for peace and reconciliation after 14 years of brutal conflict,” said spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, according to Bernama.

The UN chief has reiterated his call for “an immediate de-escalation of violence and urgent measures to restore calm and facilitate humanitarian access,” Dujarric said.

“The secretary-general further condemns Israel’s escalatory airstrikes on Suweida, Daraa, and in the centre of Damascus, as well as reports of the Israel Defence Force (IDF)’s redeployment of forces in the Golan,” he added.

Guterres also calls for an immediate cessation of all violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, his spokesperson said.

According to human rights activists, more than 300 people have been killed in days of violence between Druze and Sunni Bedouins in the southern Sweida region since Sunday.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Syrian Interior Ministry said a ceasefire had been agreed, but a Druze leader denied the claim.

Fresh attacks

The Israeli army launched a new wave of airstrikes on the Syrian capital on Wednesday.

The state news agency Sana reported airstrikes on the General Staff Complex and the Presidential Palace, known as Qasr al-Shaab, in the capital.

Videos circulating on social media showed the moments of Israeli attacks in Damascus, with smoke rising from the area.

The attacks came shortly after Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed “painful blows” on Damascus.

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