Sunni Hamas Supporters Storm UAE Embassy in Damascus Over Israel Ties
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DAMASCUS, Syria — A large crowd of Sunni Hamas supporters stormed the United Arab Emirates embassy compound in Damascus on Friday, vandalizing the site in protest of the Gulf nation's diplomatic relations with Israel.
The incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. local time as demonstrators breached the perimeter of the diplomatic mission. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the mob entered the grounds, damaging property and defacing embassy structures. Security forces were present at the scene but did not immediately intervene to disperse the crowd.
The violence was triggered by longstanding grievances regarding the UAE's normalization of ties with Israel. Protesters chanted slogans condemning the UAE government and calling for an end to cooperation with the Jewish state. The demonstration reflects broader regional tensions surrounding the Abraham Accords and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The UAE embassy in Damascus has been a focal point for anti-normalization sentiment in Syria, where Hamas maintains a significant presence. The embassy has operated under heightened security protocols in recent months amid rising regional instability.
No injuries were immediately reported among embassy staff or security personnel. The extent of the damage to the compound remains unclear as authorities secured the site. Local officials have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incident or the number of protesters involved.
The UAE has maintained diplomatic relations with Israel since 2020, a move that has drawn criticism from various factions across the Middle East. The normalization agreement was part of a broader effort to integrate Israel into the regional economy and security architecture.
Syrian authorities have historically tolerated protests against foreign embassies, particularly those linked to Gulf states. The incident marks one of the most significant attacks on a diplomatic mission in Damascus in recent years.
Questions remain regarding the involvement of organized groups in the protest and whether the incident was planned in advance. The UAE has not yet commented on the attack or outlined its response. Regional diplomats are monitoring the situation closely as tensions continue to escalate.
The incident underscores the fragile nature of diplomatic relations in the Middle East and the potential for sudden outbreaks of violence. As of late Friday, the embassy remained closed to the public while security assessments were conducted.
Further developments are expected as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the breach and assess the long-term implications for UAE-Syria relations.