Israel Urges Europe to Reassess Engagement with Syria Amid Rising Violence
Israel’s Foreign Minister has called on Europe to stop legitimizing Syria’s authorities after violence led to mass civilian deaths. He emphasizes the humanitarian crisis and condemns the engagement with Islamist leaders, underlining concerns about escalating brutality and the implications of sanction relief by the EU.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has urged Europe to cease legitimizing Syria’s transitional authorities following reports of mass civilian deaths in recent clashes. He emphasized the need for Europe to understand the reality on the ground, stating, “Europe must not fail in reading the reality.” Saar’s comments highlight the escalating violence in Syria, with reported mass killings during the recent conflict between the new security forces and loyalists of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Clashes erupted along Syria’s Mediterranean coast last Thursday, leading to significant violence and casualties, the worst since Assad’s removal. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 745 Alawite civilians have died in the Latakia and Tartus provinces. In addition, 125 security forces and 148 pro-Assad fighters were killed, bringing the total death toll to 1,018.
Saar criticized the international community, particularly Europe, for engaging with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, whom he described as linked to jihadist groups. He argued that despite their attire, the new leaders’ actions reveal their true nature, asserting, “This weekend, the masks came off, as men mercilessly massacred their own people.” His comments reflect concerns about Sharaa’s group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which has ties to Al-Qaeda and is classified as a terrorist organization by many nations.
Despite the conflict, Syria’s leadership has been advocating for the lifting of Western sanctions imposed during the civil war. In a recent development, the European Union relaxed sanctions on specific sectors in Syria to assist with reconstruction efforts. Meanwhile, Israel has maintained a military presence in the Golan Heights and conducted airstrikes against Syrian military locations since Assad’s downfall.
The article outlines the urgent plea from Israel’s Foreign Minister for Europe to reconsider its approach towards Syria amid escalating violence. Notably, the death toll during recent clashes highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Critics, including Saar, voice concerns over the legitimacy granted to current Syrian leadership, advocating for a reevaluation of international engagement with Damascus and caution regarding sanction relief. Israel’s military activities in the region further complicate the situation, stressing the need for a carefully calibrated international response.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
