Egypt’s Al-Azhar condemns Israeli strikes on Syria, urges national unity

By Fekry Abdeen and Tarek Chouiref

ISTANBUL (AA) – Egypt’s Al-Azhar institution on Thursday condemned Israel’s recent strikes on Syria, warning against attempts to incite sectarian strife and calling on Syrians to preserve their national unity.

On Wednesday, Israeli forces launched air raids on more than 160 targets across four Syrian provinces – Suwayda, Daraa, Damascus, and Damascus countryside – killing three people and injuring 34 in the capital alone.

In a statement, the Sunni world’s highest seat of learning said the attacks reflect Israel’s ongoing violations in the region and efforts to sow chaos and instability.

It accused Israel of attempting to expand its occupation amid continued international silence, describing the strikes as a blatant violation of international law.

Al-Azhar called on all Syrians to “unite despite their differences and embrace peaceful coexistence across religions and sects,” emphasizing that Syria’s strength lies in its diversity and national unity.

The statement comes after 30 people were killed in days of deadly clashes in Suwayda between Druze and Bedouin communities, prompting the Syrian army to deploy forces to the southern province to restore order.

Israel has cited “protection of Druze communities” as a pretext for its attacks in Syria, especially in the country’s south.

However, most Druze leaders in Syria have publicly rejected any foreign interference and reaffirmed their commitment to a unified Syrian state.

Al-Azhar warned Syrians to remain vigilant against sectarian plots, saying Israel seeks to exploit internal divisions to advance its regional agenda and prolong conflict across the Middle East.

It urged the people of Syria to protect their sovereignty and preserve national unity amid external pressures and internal unrest.

Several Arab and Islamic organizations have condemned the Israeli strikes and called on the international community to hold Tel Aviv accountable.

On Wednesday, the Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed a new ceasefire agreement in Suwayda, which includes full reintegration of the province under central government authority.