Syria's al-Sharaa says protecting Druze citizens is ‘our priority'
In his first televised statement after the powerful Israeli airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, al-Sharaa addressed Druze citizens, saying, 'We reject any attempt to drag you into hands of an external party.'
'We are not among those who fear the war. We have spent our lives facing challenges and defending our people, but we have put the interests of the Syrians before chaos and destruction,' he said.
He added that the Syrian people are not afraid of war and are ready to fight if their dignity is threatened.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Arabiya
23 minutes ago
- Al Arabiya
Trump says Israel will have to decide on next steps in Gaza, pledges more aid
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday Israel would have to make a decision on next steps in Gaza, adding that he did not know what would happen after the collapse of ceasefire and hostage-release negotiations with the Hamas militant group. Trump underscored the importance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, saying they had suddenly 'hardened' up on the issue, and said the US would provide more aid to the war-torn Palestinian enclave. 'They don't want to give them back, and so Israel is going to have to make a decision,' Trump told reporters at the start of a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at his golf property in Turnberry, Scotland. 'I know what I'd do, but I don't think it's appropriate that I say it. But Israel is going to have to make a decision,' he said, while also claiming, without evidence, that Hamas members were stealing food coming into Gaza and selling it. Dozens of Gazans have died of malnutrition in recent weeks, according to the Gaza health ministry. The ministry reported six new deaths over the past 24 hours due to malnutrition, bringing the total deaths from malnutrition and hunger to 133 including 87 children. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both appeared on Friday to abandon Gaza ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, saying it had become clear that the Palestinian group did not want a deal. Netanyahu said Israel was now mulling 'alternative' options to achieve its goals of bringing its hostages home from Gaza and ending Hamas rule in the enclave, where starvation is spreading and most of the population is homeless amid widespread ruin. Trump said he believed Hamas leaders would now be 'hunted down,' telling reporters: 'Hamas really didn't want to make a deal. I think they want to die. And it's very bad. And it got to be to a point where you're going to have to finish the job.' US to provide more aid, Trump says Trump on Sunday said the US would provide more humanitarian aid to Gaza, where concerns are mounting about the worsening hunger, but wanted other countries to participate as well. He said he would discuss the issue with von der Leyen. 'We're giving a lot of money, a lot of food, a lot of everything,' he said. 'If we weren't there, I think people would have starved, frankly. They would have starved, and it's not like they're eating well.' He said he had spoken with Netanyahu and discussed a number of issues, including Iran. He said he and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer would also discuss Israel when they meet at Trump's golf property in Turnberry on Monday. Trump also noted said the United States was not acknowledged for earlier food aid for Gaza. 'No other country gave anything,' he said, calling out European countries in particular. 'It makes you feel a little bad when you do that and, you know, you have other countries not giving anything ... Nobody gave but us. And nobody said, Gee, thank you very much. And it would be nice to have at least a thank you.'
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Syria expected to hold parliamentary election in September, official says
DAMASCUS: Syria is expected to hold its first parliamentary election under the new administration in September, the head of the electoral process told state news agency SANA on Sunday. Voting for the People's Assembly is expected to take place from September 15 to 20, added the official, Mohammed Taha.
Leaders
an hour ago
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Palestinian Cause Ahead of Two-State Solution Conference
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan emphasized on Sunday that the upcoming high-level conference on the two-state solution in New York reflects Kingdom's firm stance on the Palestinian cause and its continuous efforts to maintain a just and comprehensive peace, according to Al Arabiya. Prince Faisal's remarks come as Saudi Arabia prepares to co-chair, alongside France, a conference this week in order to advance a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. 'We look forward to pushing towards the implementation of international…resolutions that call for the establishment of two states in which the Palestinians can enjoy their independent state, [contributing to] achieving peace and stability for the region, and advancing it towards development and prosperity,' the prince said. Set to take place at the UN headquarters in New York, the conference supports the efforts of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the two-state solution. This alliance represents a remarkable initiative launched by Prince Faisal in September 2024. In this context, he noted that the Kingdom is exerting all its efforts to establish a just peace in the Middle East region under the leadership of King Salman and the follow-up by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He also stated that Saudi Arabia is striving to 'put an end to the sufferings of Palestinians and to stop the circle of violence.' French President Emmanuel Macron has recently revealed his plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. In a response, the Kingdom has commended Macron's step, and the Saudi Foreign Ministry called the announcement 'historic' and urged other countries to follow suit. Related Topics: Israel Announces 'Tactical Pauses' across 3 Parts in Gaza amid Starvation Crisis Canada Condemns Israel over Gaza's 'Humanitarian Disaster' UK to Hold Urgent Talks with France, Germany over Gaza War Short link : Post Views: 8
