Damascus: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has declared that the country’s national reunification must not come “through blood,” firmly rejecting any attempts to divide Syria and accusing Israel of exploiting recent unrest to destabilize the nation.
Speaking at a meeting with officials and community leaders in Idlib, al-Sharaa said that Syria’s territorial unity was not under threat despite ongoing challenges. “Some are trying to push for division and create cantons in Syria, but this will never happen,” he stated.
The remarks come amid tensions in Sweida province, where protests and violence erupted in July. Demonstrators in the Druze-majority region called for greater autonomy, with some waving Israeli flags.
Al-Sharaa acknowledged that violations had occurred on all sides during the unrest, including by security forces, and promised accountability for all perpetrators.
He accused Israel of fueling divisions in the south, alleging that its actions were intended to weaken Syria and justify foreign interference. Israel, however, has maintained that its role was limited to protecting minority groups and ensuring stability near its borders.
Also Read | Trump ends U.S. Sanctions on Syria
On the northern front, al-Sharaa addressed ongoing negotiations with the Kurdish-led administration, stressing that while Kurds have demanded more decentralization, there is no risk of secession. Talks remain focused on how to implement a previous agreement to integrate Kurdish institutions into the Syrian state system.
Al-Sharaa’s comments underline his administration’s push for unity, reconciliation, and accountability while resisting both internal fragmentation and external pressure.
