Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has urged Europe to halt the legitimization of Syria’s transitional authority following mass civilian killings during recent clashes. He criticized Western engagement with Syrian leaders linked to historical terrorism and called for greater recognition of the ongoing atrocities in the region. The situation escalated to significant fatalities, raising concerns about humanitarian implications and the responses from the international community.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, has called on European nations to cease granting legitimacy to Syria’s transitional authorities following reports of significant civilian casualties due to recent clashes. In an interview published by Germany’s Bild, Saar argued that “Europe must not fail in reading the reality” and emphasized the necessity for Europe to recognize the atrocities committed by a regime with a known history of terrorism.
The violence erupted on Thursday along the Mediterranean coast, with clashes occurring between Syria’s new security forces and loyalists of the former government, leading to what is being described as the most violent outbreak since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, as many as 745 Alawite civilians were killed in Latakia and Tartus provinces, alongside 125 security personnel and 148 pro-Assad fighters, pushing the total death toll to over 1,000.
Saar criticized the international community and European officials for visiting Damascus to meet with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa and stated that the leaders of the new regime, whose origins are linked to jihadism, should not have their actions legitimized. Saar remarked that “this weekend, the masks came off, as men mercilessly massacred their own people.” Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the group at the forefront of the recent violence, is recognized as a terrorist organization by various governments, including the United States.
Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis, Syria’s new rulers are advocating for a loosening of restrictions imposed during the civil war, leading to recent easing of European Union sanctions on key sectors in Syria. Meanwhile, Israel continues to maintain military operations within Syria while occupying a buffer zone in the Golan Heights, conducting airstrikes on Syrian military targets in response to potential threats.
In conclusion, Israel has expressed grave concern over Europe’s perceived complacency regarding Syria’s transitional government, especially in light of the extensive civilian fatalities reported amid new clashes. Saar’s remarks highlight the belief that recognizing the legitimacy of such a regime poses ethical and humanitarian issues. As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the international community’s approach will play a crucial role in addressing ongoing violence and instability.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
