Germany calls on Israel to halt airstrikes on Syria

BERLIN

Germany on Thursday welcomed a ceasefire in Syria's southern Suwayda province and called on Israel to halt its military airstrikes, which have sparked concerns about stability in the war-torn country.

"Syria must not become a playing field for regional tensions," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in a statement, a day after Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian cities, claiming they were to protect the Druze community.

“In view of the Israeli airstrikes, including in (the capital) Damascus, I call on all domestic and foreign actors not to take any action that could jeopardize Syria's stability and the transition process,” he stressed.

Wadephul urged all parties to honor the ceasefire agreement in Suwayda, emphasizing that the Syrian government must protect all its citizens from violence, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.

“Furthermore, the government must initiate an inclusive political process in which all Syrian citizens are represented. The German government, together with its European partners, remains ready to actively support this process,” he said.

The Israeli army targeted Syrian army forces in Suwayda province, which were deployed there after clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin groups. Syria’s Interior Ministry said that more than 30 people have been killed and nearly 100 others injured in the violence.