Syria calls for Israel's withdrawal from its lands, national dialogue closing statement says

Attendees take part in a national dialogue, a key milestone in the transition to a new political system after decades of Assad rule, in Damascus, Syria February 25, 2025. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi

Source: REUTERS

Syria condemned on Tuesday Israel's incursion into its territories and called for Israel to withdraw, according to a the closing statement of a national dialogue summit organised by Syria's new Islamist rulers to outline the country's political roadmap.

Israel moved forces into a U.N.-monitored demilitarized zone within Syria after rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former Al Qaeda affiliate, toppled former President Bashar al-Assad in December.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel will not tolerate the presence of HTS in southern Syria, nor any other forces affiliated with the country's new rulers, and demanded the territory be demilitarized.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters