Al-Sharaa of Syria vows peace and unity against Israeli aggression

Doha, Qatar Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa accused Israel of escalating tensions in the region and creating external threats to distract from what he described as the horrific killings in Gaza. Speaking to CNNs Christiane Amanpour during the Newsmaker Interview at the Doha Forum, al-Sharaa claimed Israeli authorities frequently export conflicts to other countries under the guise of security concerns.

Israel uses security as a pretext for its actions, often turning incidents like October 7 into justification for broader operations, he said. They are fighting against shadows.

Since the collapse of Bashar al-Assads regime in December 2024, Israel has carried out repeated airstrikes across Syria, resulting in hundreds of casualties, along with ground incursions in the south. Last month, at least 13 people were killed by Israeli forces in Beit Jinn, near Damascus. Israeli troops have also expanded deeper into Syrian territory, set up multiple checkpoints, and detained Syrian citizens illegally.

Al-Sharaa emphasized that his administration has sought to reduce tensions, sending messages promoting regional peace and stability. Syria aims to be a stable nation and is not interested in exporting conflict, including to Israel, he stated. Despite this, Israel has responded with severe violence, violating our airspace repeatedly.

Dispute Over Buffer Zones

Al-Sharaa insisted that Israel must return to pre-2024 positions and respect the 1974 Disengagement Accord, which created a UN-monitored buffer zone on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights after the Yom Kippur War. He warned that replacing the agreement with new arrangements could destabilize the region.

Who would safeguard a new buffer or demilitarized zone if Syrian forces are present? Israel claims to fear attacks from southern Syria, he questioned.

Responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus recent comments about a potential deal requiring Syrian forces to withdraw, al-Sharaa said, Syria is under attack, not the other way around. Therefore, Syria has the greater claim to any buffer zone.

National Unity and Reconciliation

Al-Sharaa highlighted efforts to strengthen unity within Syria, acknowledging progress while noting ongoing challenges. Syria is becoming more aware and conscious as a nation, he said, adding that complete unanimity is unrealistic even in stable countries. He stressed that reconciliation involved pardoning numerous individuals and factions to create a secure and sustainable future.

Rejecting the idea that the uprising against al-Assad was solely a Sunni movement, al-Sharaa stated, All segments of Syrian society participated, including Alawites who suffered under the previous regime. Not all Alawites supported the old government; many lived in fear.

He acknowledged sectarian violence earlier this year, including deadly clashes in coastal areas and in Suwayda, but reaffirmed that Syria is governed by law, which ensures protection of rights for all citizens.

Womens Rights and Governance

Al-Sharaa defended the role of women under his administration, asserting that their rights are protected and that they actively participate in government and parliament. Women are empowered under my rule, he said, adding humorously, You should worry less about Syrian women and more about Syrian men.

Future Elections

Al-Sharaa outlined plans for elections after the transition period, emphasizing institutional development over consolidating individual power. He confirmed parliamentary elections will take place within five years from the signing of the temporary Constitutional Declaration in March. People must have the right to choose their leaders. This is both a political and religious principle in Syria, he said.

Author: Natalie Monroe