Syria: Israeli Attack Near Damascus Presidential Palace Dangerous Escalation

Syria/DOK PHOTO via X The White Helmets @SyriaCivivilDef

JAKARTA - Syria on Friday strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes targeting areas near the presidential palace in the capital Damascus while calling them "dangerous escalation" and direct attacks on the country's sovereignty and institutions.

"The Syrian government of the Arab Republic strongly condemns the bombing of the presidential palace area by Israeli occupation forces, which is a serious escalation of state institutions and their sovereignty," the Syrian presidency said in a statement quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Friday, May 2.

The country calls on the international community and Arab countries to "together determine Syria's full stance and support against these attacks in a way that guarantees the protection of the rights of Arab countries in the face of Israeli aggression."

Syria emphasizes such attacks aimed at destroying the unity and integrity of its territory will not break the determination of the Syrian people or stop the government's efforts towards stability and peace.

Syria warned the attack reflected reckless measures aimed at deepening the country's security crisis and disrupting the stability of national unity.

Earlier on the same day, Israeli soldiers confirmed they had carried out airstrikes near the presidential palace in Damascus. Israeli officials said the attack served as a "memoranical message" for Syrian leaders.

The Syrian government has repeatedly accused Israel of exploiting sectarian groups, including the Druze minority, to justify interventions in the country's internal affairs.

Damascus asserted that all Syrian citizens, regardless of their sects, enjoy the same rights under the constitution.

Israel has intensified its airstrikes against Syria in recent months, and has often argued it is responding to threats from groups linked to Iran operating in the country.