LONDON: Hundreds of Syrians took part in a mass demonstration on Tuesday in the southern city of Suwaida, affirming national unity and rejecting Israeli interference.
Demonstrators, primarily from trade unions and civil organizations, highlighted the importance of extending the state’s sovereignty over Syrian territory and defending it against external aggression, the official SANA news agency reported.
The demonstrators at Suwaida’s central Al-Karama Square urged the interim government to protest in international organizations against the Israeli statements that violate international norms.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces would continue to maintain their presence at the strategic summit of Mount Hermon, which Israel captured following the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in December.
He also said that Israel demands the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, including the areas surrounding Suwaida, Daraa and Quneitra, and committed to “not tolerating any threat” to the Druze community.
Demonstrators in Suwaida, a predominantly Druze city, rejected the statements on Tuesday and called on national actors to oppose the Israeli plan. They said that Druze people remain an integral part of the Syrian national fabric and “do not need protection from anyone abroad.”
