Syrian President al-Sharaa Urges EU to Curb Israeli Military Actions in Nicosia
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NICOSIA, Cyprus — Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa called on the European Union on Thursday to take immediate action to halt Israeli military violations within Syrian territory, citing escalating aggression that threatens regional stability and ongoing reconstruction efforts. The appeal came during a high-level diplomatic meeting in Nicosia, where al-Sharaa met with senior EU officials to discuss the deteriorating security situation.
Al-Sharaa, who assumed power following the collapse of the previous administration, emphasized that continued Israeli airstrikes and cross-border operations are undermining Syria’s sovereignty and hindering humanitarian recovery. He argued that the international community, particularly the EU, has a responsibility to enforce international law and protect civilian infrastructure from military targeting.
The Syrian president described recent Israeli military activities as a direct challenge to the fragile peace process and warned that unchecked aggression could derail reconstruction projects funded by international donors. He urged the EU to leverage its diplomatic influence to pressure Israel into de-escalating tensions and respecting Syria’s territorial integrity.
EU representatives acknowledged the gravity of the situation but stopped short of committing to specific measures. They expressed concern over the rising tensions and reiterated their support for a political solution to the broader Middle East conflict. However, they noted that any action must be coordinated with other international stakeholders and aligned with UN Security Council resolutions.
The meeting in Nicosia marks a significant diplomatic effort by al-Sharaa’s government to gain international backing for its stance against Israeli military operations. Syria has faced repeated Israeli strikes in recent months, particularly in the Golan Heights and Damascus suburbs, which the Syrian government has condemned as violations of its airspace and sovereignty.
Israel has not commented directly on al-Sharaa’s remarks. However, Israeli officials have previously stated that their military operations are necessary to prevent the transfer of weapons to hostile groups and to protect Israeli citizens from cross-border threats. The Israeli military has maintained that its actions are defensive and proportional.
The situation remains fluid, with no immediate resolution in sight. Questions persist over how the EU will respond to al-Sharaa’s call and whether diplomatic pressure can effectively curb military activities in the region. The outcome of the Nicosia discussions will likely influence future international engagement with Syria and the broader conflict dynamics in the Middle East.
As of Thursday afternoon, no formal statement had been issued by the EU regarding the specific demands raised by al-Sharaa. Diplomatic channels remain open, but the path to de-escalation appears uncertain amid ongoing military tensions.