6 may 2013
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'Mad dog Israel trying to force US hand on Syria'
Press TV has interviewed Mark Glenn, Crescent and Cross Solidarity Movement from Idaho, about the UN finding that chemical weapons were used by insurgents attacking Syria and in Israeli bombing raids on Syrian facilities. |
Syrian rockets hit Israeli-occupied Golan Heights
Two rockets fired from Syria have exploded inside the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, but there have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
The rockets went off in a field near the ceasefire line in the southern Golan Heights, AFP quoted an Israeli army spokeswoman as saying on Monday.
The rocket fire was "apparently connected to the situation inside Syria," she added, suggesting that foreign-backed militants might have fired the rockets.
"The Israeli army combed the sector the rockets fell in and informed the UN forces deployed in the Golan," the Israeli army spokeswoman said.
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the Six-Day War of 1967, when it also took control of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
It annexed the Golan Heights in 1981, although the move was never recognized by the international community and was a violation of international law.
The Syria crisis began in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.
The Syrian government says that the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country, and there are reports that a very large number of the militants are foreign nationals.
In an interview recently broadcast on Turkish television, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that if the militants take power in Syria, they could destabilize the entire Middle East region for decades.
“If the unrest in Syria leads to the partitioning of the country, or if the terrorist forces take control, the situation will inevitably spill over into neighboring countries and create a domino effect throughout the Middle East and beyond,” he added.
The rockets went off in a field near the ceasefire line in the southern Golan Heights, AFP quoted an Israeli army spokeswoman as saying on Monday.
The rocket fire was "apparently connected to the situation inside Syria," she added, suggesting that foreign-backed militants might have fired the rockets.
"The Israeli army combed the sector the rockets fell in and informed the UN forces deployed in the Golan," the Israeli army spokeswoman said.
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria during the Six-Day War of 1967, when it also took control of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
It annexed the Golan Heights in 1981, although the move was never recognized by the international community and was a violation of international law.
The Syria crisis began in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.
The Syrian government says that the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country, and there are reports that a very large number of the militants are foreign nationals.
In an interview recently broadcast on Turkish television, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that if the militants take power in Syria, they could destabilize the entire Middle East region for decades.
“If the unrest in Syria leads to the partitioning of the country, or if the terrorist forces take control, the situation will inevitably spill over into neighboring countries and create a domino effect throughout the Middle East and beyond,” he added.
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Israel used depleted uranium in airstrike on Syria: Report
A senior Syrian official says Israel has used depleted uranium in its recent airstrike against the Jamraya Research Center in the outskirts of Damascus.
Israel used depleted uranium in airstrike on Syria: ReportThe official, who was present near the attack site on Sunday morning, told Russia Today that Israel used "a new type of weapon" during the airstrike. “When the explosion happened, it felt like an earthquake,” the official, who asked not to be named, added. “Then a giant golden mushroom of fire appeared. This tells us that Israel used depleted uranium shells,” the Syrian official said. |
“Several civilian factories and buildings were destroyed. The target was just an ordinary weapons warehouse. The bombing is an ultimatum to us,” he added.
The Syrian official also refuted the claims by Western intelligence sources that the airstrike targeted transfers of weapons from the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah to Syria.
Jamraya Research Center had been targeted by another Israeli airstrike back in January.
The Sunday attack came shortly after Tel Aviv confirmed that its warplanes had hit another target in Syria on Friday.
On Saturday, US President Barack Obama said the Israeli regime has the right to launch airstrikes on Syria.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has sent letters to the United Nations and its Security Council stating that Israel’s aggression shows the link between Tel Aviv and terrorist groups operating in Syria including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Meanwhile, the anti-Syria countries including Turkey and several Arab states in the region have been mum on Tel Aviv’s acts of aggression against Syria.
The Syrian official also refuted the claims by Western intelligence sources that the airstrike targeted transfers of weapons from the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah to Syria.
Jamraya Research Center had been targeted by another Israeli airstrike back in January.
The Sunday attack came shortly after Tel Aviv confirmed that its warplanes had hit another target in Syria on Friday.
On Saturday, US President Barack Obama said the Israeli regime has the right to launch airstrikes on Syria.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has sent letters to the United Nations and its Security Council stating that Israel’s aggression shows the link between Tel Aviv and terrorist groups operating in Syria including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Meanwhile, the anti-Syria countries including Turkey and several Arab states in the region have been mum on Tel Aviv’s acts of aggression against Syria.
Syria to react to Israel aggression in time: Syrian official
A handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on May 5, 2013, shows, the damage caused by an Israeli strike.
A Syrian official says Damascus will respond to Israeli attacks against its territory at a time it chooses to.
"Syria will respond to the Israeli aggression and will choose the moment to do so," the unnamed official close to the Syrian government said on Monday.
"It might not be immediate because Israel now is on high alert," he noted, adding, "We will wait but we will answer."
Syria says the Israeli regime has carried out airstrikes against three military sites near the Syrian capital on Sunday morning, 48 hours after another reported Israeli strike against a research center in the country.
"The international community should know that the complex situation in the region has become more dangerous after this aggression," the Syrian government said after an emergency meeting.
Syria "has not just a right but a duty to protect the homeland and the state and the people from any attack, whether internal or external, by all ways and means and capabilities available," it added.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has sent letters to the United Nations and its Security Council stating that Israel’s aggression shows the link between Tel Aviv and terrorist groups operating in Syria including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Meanwhile, the anti-Syria countries including Turkey and several Arab states in the region have taken a silent stance on Tel Aviv’s acts of aggression against Syria.
The turmoil in Syria began over two years ago, and many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel have been killed.
Palestinians Protest Israeli Strike on Syria
Dozens of Palestinians Monday protested outside the Red Cross office in Ramallah against the Israeli airstrikes on Syria the day before. The protest, called for by the various unions, aimed at denouncing what participants said was “international silence” to Israeli violations, which encouraged it to attack the Syrian capital.
“If this silence continues, Israel is going to do much more than this and anywhere in the world,” said Omar Assaf, one of the protesters.
In Nablus, the Committee in Support of Syria organized a similar protest during which participants raised signs denouncing the Israeli attack and expressing support for the people of Syria.
A Syrian official says Damascus will respond to Israeli attacks against its territory at a time it chooses to.
"Syria will respond to the Israeli aggression and will choose the moment to do so," the unnamed official close to the Syrian government said on Monday.
"It might not be immediate because Israel now is on high alert," he noted, adding, "We will wait but we will answer."
Syria says the Israeli regime has carried out airstrikes against three military sites near the Syrian capital on Sunday morning, 48 hours after another reported Israeli strike against a research center in the country.
"The international community should know that the complex situation in the region has become more dangerous after this aggression," the Syrian government said after an emergency meeting.
Syria "has not just a right but a duty to protect the homeland and the state and the people from any attack, whether internal or external, by all ways and means and capabilities available," it added.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has sent letters to the United Nations and its Security Council stating that Israel’s aggression shows the link between Tel Aviv and terrorist groups operating in Syria including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Meanwhile, the anti-Syria countries including Turkey and several Arab states in the region have taken a silent stance on Tel Aviv’s acts of aggression against Syria.
The turmoil in Syria began over two years ago, and many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel have been killed.
Palestinians Protest Israeli Strike on Syria
Dozens of Palestinians Monday protested outside the Red Cross office in Ramallah against the Israeli airstrikes on Syria the day before. The protest, called for by the various unions, aimed at denouncing what participants said was “international silence” to Israeli violations, which encouraged it to attack the Syrian capital.
“If this silence continues, Israel is going to do much more than this and anywhere in the world,” said Omar Assaf, one of the protesters.
In Nablus, the Committee in Support of Syria organized a similar protest during which participants raised signs denouncing the Israeli attack and expressing support for the people of Syria.
Russia voices concern over Israel aggression on Syria
File photo shows damages caused by an Israeli airstrike near Damascus on May 5, 2013
The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed concern over the Israeli regime’s recent aggression against Syria, calling on the West to stop politicizing the issue of chemical weapons use in the Arab country.
"We are looking into and analyzing all the circumstances surrounding the especially concerning reports of the May 3 and May 5 Israeli airstrikes,” the ministry said in a statement on Monday.
The Russian ministry also stated that the airstrikes could escalate tension in neighboring countries including Lebanon.
On Sunday, Syria said Israel attacked the Jamraya Research Center, located northwest of Damascus. The center had been targeted by another Israeli airstrike back in January.
The aggression came shortly after Tel Aviv confirmed on Friday that its warplanes had hit a “game-changing” target in Syria.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged the West not to politicize the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Saying, "We insistently urge [the US] to stop politicizing this extremely serious question and whipping up an anti-Syrian atmosphere.”
On April 30, Syrian Ambassador to the UN Bashar al-Jaafari said the foreign-backed militants spread the contents of plastic bags containing chemical material during an attack on a town near Idlib. Reports say two people were killed and 20 others injured in the attack.
Syria also said militants had used chemical weapons against civilians in Khan al-Assal district of the northwestern province of Aleppo on March 19. Over two dozen people were killed and more than 100 injured in the chemical attack.
Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of government security forces and army personnel, have been killed in the violence.
China blasts Israeli attacks on Syria amid Netanyahu visit
China has slammed Tel Aviv's recent act of aggression against Syria as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Shanghai for a visit.
"We are opposed to the use of force and believe that the sovereignty of any country should be respected," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said at a press conference on Monday.
On Sunday, Syria said the Israeli regime had carried out an airstrike targeting a research center in a suburb of Damascus, following heavy losses of al-Qaeda-affiliated groups at the hands of the Syrian army.
According to Syrian media reports, Israeli rockets struck the Jamraya Research Center.
Chunying further urged all sides to "exercise restraint and refrain from actions that may escalate tensions.”
The remarks came as Netanyahu arrived on a five-day trip to China, which will include meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. It is the first visit by an Israeli prime minister since 2007.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has sent letters to the United Nations and its Security Council stating that Israel’s aggression shows the links between Tel Aviv and terrorist groups operating in Syria including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zohbi told reporters in Damascus on Sunday that Syria had the right and the duty to defend its people by all available means and it would not give in to Israeli acts of aggression.
The Jamraya facility was also targeted in an Israeli airstrike in January.
Lebanon condemns Israeli aggression against Syria
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman has condemned Israel’s recent act of aggression against Syria.
A statement released by Lebanon’s presidential office on Sunday read, “Sleiman strongly condemned Israel’s aggression on Syrian sites [which it carried out] by violating Lebanese airspace to carry out these attacks.”
“This act is not unusual for a mutual enemy [such as Israel] whose policy is based on aggression that takes advantage of the circumstances Syria is going through to carry out its aggression just as it used to do in Lebanon during its days of crisis.”
On Sunday, Syria said the Israeli regime had carried out an airstrike targeting a research center in a suburb of Damascus, following heavy losses of al-Qaeda-affiliated groups at the hands of the Syrian army. According to Syrian media reports, Israeli rockets struck the Jamraya research center.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati vehemently condemned the Israeli airstrike, saying they “underscored once again Israel’s aggressive intentions.”
“[The attacks] fall within the series of continuous aerial violations to Lebanon’s sovereignty and its threats against Lebanon,” Miqati stated.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has sent letters to the United Nations and its Security Council stating that Israel’s aggression shows the links between Tel Aviv and terrorist groups operating in Syria including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoabi told reporters in Damascus on Sunday that Syria had the right and the duty to defend its people by all available means and it would not give in to Israeli acts of aggression.
The Israeli attacks on Syria have made the Middle East more dangerous, the Syrian information minister said.
The Sunday Israeli aggression was Tel Aviv’s second strike on Syria in three days.
The Jamraya facility was also targeted in an Israeli airstrike in January.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed concern over the Israeli regime’s recent aggression against Syria, calling on the West to stop politicizing the issue of chemical weapons use in the Arab country.
"We are looking into and analyzing all the circumstances surrounding the especially concerning reports of the May 3 and May 5 Israeli airstrikes,” the ministry said in a statement on Monday.
The Russian ministry also stated that the airstrikes could escalate tension in neighboring countries including Lebanon.
On Sunday, Syria said Israel attacked the Jamraya Research Center, located northwest of Damascus. The center had been targeted by another Israeli airstrike back in January.
The aggression came shortly after Tel Aviv confirmed on Friday that its warplanes had hit a “game-changing” target in Syria.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged the West not to politicize the use of chemical weapons in Syria. Saying, "We insistently urge [the US] to stop politicizing this extremely serious question and whipping up an anti-Syrian atmosphere.”
On April 30, Syrian Ambassador to the UN Bashar al-Jaafari said the foreign-backed militants spread the contents of plastic bags containing chemical material during an attack on a town near Idlib. Reports say two people were killed and 20 others injured in the attack.
Syria also said militants had used chemical weapons against civilians in Khan al-Assal district of the northwestern province of Aleppo on March 19. Over two dozen people were killed and more than 100 injured in the chemical attack.
Syria has been gripped by deadly unrest since March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of government security forces and army personnel, have been killed in the violence.
China blasts Israeli attacks on Syria amid Netanyahu visit
China has slammed Tel Aviv's recent act of aggression against Syria as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in Shanghai for a visit.
"We are opposed to the use of force and believe that the sovereignty of any country should be respected," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said at a press conference on Monday.
On Sunday, Syria said the Israeli regime had carried out an airstrike targeting a research center in a suburb of Damascus, following heavy losses of al-Qaeda-affiliated groups at the hands of the Syrian army.
According to Syrian media reports, Israeli rockets struck the Jamraya Research Center.
Chunying further urged all sides to "exercise restraint and refrain from actions that may escalate tensions.”
The remarks came as Netanyahu arrived on a five-day trip to China, which will include meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. It is the first visit by an Israeli prime minister since 2007.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has sent letters to the United Nations and its Security Council stating that Israel’s aggression shows the links between Tel Aviv and terrorist groups operating in Syria including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zohbi told reporters in Damascus on Sunday that Syria had the right and the duty to defend its people by all available means and it would not give in to Israeli acts of aggression.
The Jamraya facility was also targeted in an Israeli airstrike in January.
Lebanon condemns Israeli aggression against Syria
Lebanese President Michel Sleiman has condemned Israel’s recent act of aggression against Syria.
A statement released by Lebanon’s presidential office on Sunday read, “Sleiman strongly condemned Israel’s aggression on Syrian sites [which it carried out] by violating Lebanese airspace to carry out these attacks.”
“This act is not unusual for a mutual enemy [such as Israel] whose policy is based on aggression that takes advantage of the circumstances Syria is going through to carry out its aggression just as it used to do in Lebanon during its days of crisis.”
On Sunday, Syria said the Israeli regime had carried out an airstrike targeting a research center in a suburb of Damascus, following heavy losses of al-Qaeda-affiliated groups at the hands of the Syrian army. According to Syrian media reports, Israeli rockets struck the Jamraya research center.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati vehemently condemned the Israeli airstrike, saying they “underscored once again Israel’s aggressive intentions.”
“[The attacks] fall within the series of continuous aerial violations to Lebanon’s sovereignty and its threats against Lebanon,” Miqati stated.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has sent letters to the United Nations and its Security Council stating that Israel’s aggression shows the links between Tel Aviv and terrorist groups operating in Syria including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoabi told reporters in Damascus on Sunday that Syria had the right and the duty to defend its people by all available means and it would not give in to Israeli acts of aggression.
The Israeli attacks on Syria have made the Middle East more dangerous, the Syrian information minister said.
The Sunday Israeli aggression was Tel Aviv’s second strike on Syria in three days.
The Jamraya facility was also targeted in an Israeli airstrike in January.
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Israel to pay heavily for attack on Syria: Kamel Wazne
Press TV has conducted an interview with Kamel Wazne, political analyst, about Israel's new strike on Syria.
What follows is an approximate transcription of the interview. Press TV: How should we react to this continuous Israeli involvement in the Syrian crisis? Wazne: Well we have to look at the circumstances. These attacks are coming from the Israelis. We have been seeing a military operation by the Syrian major advancement and liberation of lands being occupied by the opposition. |
I think the Israelis came to the rescue of the Syrian opposition, came to the rescue of al-Qaeda and seem they want to enter and fight on the opposition side.
This is not a new thing. Now the Israelis which actually have been participating in the war against President Bashar al-Assad through its operation that located in Turkey, there were talks that the MOSSAD actually there in an operational room with the CIA. Now we see the Israelis enter directly on the attack against what supposed to be classified as selective target.
I think the army of President Bashar al-Assad has [been] actually gaining the ground and the sentiment is actually on the side of the Syrian Army. Somebody wants to change the tone and calculates and the media attention on the achievement of the President of Syria and this is actually, it will have a repercussion.
The Israelis will pay in my estimate, in my analysis a heavy price for their direct attack against a sovereign country. What we see is a violation of international [law] and I think the UN should take a stand on what is taking place on this attack.
Press TV: Well you know Mr. Wazne, we are getting breaking news now that Iran has essentially said that, you know the Defense Minister of Iran has said that this attack on Syria was a sign of Israel’s desperation and also the fact that you know, this could not have gone ahead without the US giving its green light as well.
So let’s talk about US involvement then. Why would Washington want to be using Tel Aviv in Syria?
Wazne: Well actually that statement is very much on the mark and that basically speaks to the testament of the major achievement of the Syria Army and the resolve of the President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad. He actually calculated very well, he launched an attack on this opposition; he wanted to drive those terrorists away from his country.
I think the Israelis actually sometimes they work on their own decision and sometimes they work on with the American help. We know that in two days it is going to be a major meeting between the Foreign Minister of United States and his counterpart from Russia. They want to look for a political solution for the situation in Syria.
I think today the President of Syria [is] actually making that equation very easy for the Russians on the ground because ultimately the decision rest with people who actually gain half control of the ground and I think the President of Syria had proved that the Syrian Army are determined, capable and can operate in a short notice.
And I think the Americans, if they want to feel they can put a lot of pressure on the Syrian side to get leeway in that negotiation, that will take a place between seven and eight of this month, they are mistaken because I think the Syrian Army and the President of Syria are determined to gain the upper hand and to drive all these terrorists away from these cities and towns that have been occupied by them for very long time.
This is not a new thing. Now the Israelis which actually have been participating in the war against President Bashar al-Assad through its operation that located in Turkey, there were talks that the MOSSAD actually there in an operational room with the CIA. Now we see the Israelis enter directly on the attack against what supposed to be classified as selective target.
I think the army of President Bashar al-Assad has [been] actually gaining the ground and the sentiment is actually on the side of the Syrian Army. Somebody wants to change the tone and calculates and the media attention on the achievement of the President of Syria and this is actually, it will have a repercussion.
The Israelis will pay in my estimate, in my analysis a heavy price for their direct attack against a sovereign country. What we see is a violation of international [law] and I think the UN should take a stand on what is taking place on this attack.
Press TV: Well you know Mr. Wazne, we are getting breaking news now that Iran has essentially said that, you know the Defense Minister of Iran has said that this attack on Syria was a sign of Israel’s desperation and also the fact that you know, this could not have gone ahead without the US giving its green light as well.
So let’s talk about US involvement then. Why would Washington want to be using Tel Aviv in Syria?
Wazne: Well actually that statement is very much on the mark and that basically speaks to the testament of the major achievement of the Syria Army and the resolve of the President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad. He actually calculated very well, he launched an attack on this opposition; he wanted to drive those terrorists away from his country.
I think the Israelis actually sometimes they work on their own decision and sometimes they work on with the American help. We know that in two days it is going to be a major meeting between the Foreign Minister of United States and his counterpart from Russia. They want to look for a political solution for the situation in Syria.
I think today the President of Syria [is] actually making that equation very easy for the Russians on the ground because ultimately the decision rest with people who actually gain half control of the ground and I think the President of Syria had proved that the Syrian Army are determined, capable and can operate in a short notice.
And I think the Americans, if they want to feel they can put a lot of pressure on the Syrian side to get leeway in that negotiation, that will take a place between seven and eight of this month, they are mistaken because I think the Syrian Army and the President of Syria are determined to gain the upper hand and to drive all these terrorists away from these cities and towns that have been occupied by them for very long time.
Tel Aviv will suffer again over attack on Syria: Syrian deputy FM
Smoke and fire fill the skyline over Damascus, Syria, after an Israeli airstrike on the Jamraya research facility early on Sunday, May 5, 2013
The Syrian deputy foreign minister says the Tel Aviv regime will ‘suffer again’ for its recent military aggression on Syria.
On Sunday, Syria said the Israeli regime had carried out an airstrike targeting a research center in a suburb of Damascus, following heavy losses of al-Qaeda-affiliated groups at the hands of the Syrian army. According to Syrian media reports, Israeli rockets struck the Jamraya research center.
In an exclusive interview with the CNN on Sunday, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad said, “When they attack, this is a declaration of war. This is not something that is (new).”
“We dealt with this on several occasions, and we retaliated the way we wanted, and the retaliation was always painful to Israel, and they will suffer again,” the Syrian deputy foreign minister stated.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has sent letters to the United Nations and its Security Council stating that Israel’s aggression shows the links between Tel Aviv and terrorist groups operating in Syria including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoabi told reporters in Damascus on Sunday that Syria had the right and the duty to defend its people by all available means and it would not give in to Israeli acts of aggression.
The Israeli attacks on Syria have made the Middle East more dangerous, the Syrian information minister said.
The Sunday Israeli aggression was Tel Aviv’s second strike on Syria in three days.
The Jamraya facility was also targeted in an Israeli airstrike in January.
The Syrian government says the chaos that erupted in the country over two years ago is being orchestrated from outside.
The anti-Syria countries including Turkey and several Arab states in the region have taken a silent stance toward Tel Aviv’s acts of aggression against Syria.
The Syrian deputy foreign minister says the Tel Aviv regime will ‘suffer again’ for its recent military aggression on Syria.
On Sunday, Syria said the Israeli regime had carried out an airstrike targeting a research center in a suburb of Damascus, following heavy losses of al-Qaeda-affiliated groups at the hands of the Syrian army. According to Syrian media reports, Israeli rockets struck the Jamraya research center.
In an exclusive interview with the CNN on Sunday, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad said, “When they attack, this is a declaration of war. This is not something that is (new).”
“We dealt with this on several occasions, and we retaliated the way we wanted, and the retaliation was always painful to Israel, and they will suffer again,” the Syrian deputy foreign minister stated.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry has sent letters to the United Nations and its Security Council stating that Israel’s aggression shows the links between Tel Aviv and terrorist groups operating in Syria including the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoabi told reporters in Damascus on Sunday that Syria had the right and the duty to defend its people by all available means and it would not give in to Israeli acts of aggression.
The Israeli attacks on Syria have made the Middle East more dangerous, the Syrian information minister said.
The Sunday Israeli aggression was Tel Aviv’s second strike on Syria in three days.
The Jamraya facility was also targeted in an Israeli airstrike in January.
The Syrian government says the chaos that erupted in the country over two years ago is being orchestrated from outside.
The anti-Syria countries including Turkey and several Arab states in the region have taken a silent stance toward Tel Aviv’s acts of aggression against Syria.
Hamas condemns Israel's raids on Syria as serious violation
The Hamas Movement strongly denounced on Sunday Israel's aerial attacks on Syria and described it as a serious violation. In a press release, Hamas said it rejects any Israeli attack on any Arab country and considered its aerial raids on sites in Syria as part of its terrorist and aggressive tendencies against the Arab countries.
It also expressed its great sorrow at the continued bloodshed in Syria, especially the latest massacres that happened in the towns of Banias, Baida and Ras Al-Naba, hoping that the Syrian people could soon triumph over the injustice, extract their freedom and achieve their aspirations.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum, in turn, said in another statement that his Movement categorically rejects any Israeli attack on Syria under any pretext.
Barhoum noted that the Israeli regime had already violated the sovereignty of Lebanon, Iraq, Tunisia, and Sudan, and still persist in its crimes in Palestine, calling on the Arab League to take a firm stance curbing Israel's repeated violations against the Arab countries.
For his part, deputy head of Hamas's political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk stated that condemning Israel's air raids on Syria is not enough and the Arab leaders should immediately respond to this violation, especially since Israel had launched several aerial attacks on different Arab countries before.
Abu Marzouk also criticized the international silence and the Arab failure to take action against the crimes that are committed by the Syrian regime everyday against the unarmed civilians in Syria.
It also expressed its great sorrow at the continued bloodshed in Syria, especially the latest massacres that happened in the towns of Banias, Baida and Ras Al-Naba, hoping that the Syrian people could soon triumph over the injustice, extract their freedom and achieve their aspirations.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum, in turn, said in another statement that his Movement categorically rejects any Israeli attack on Syria under any pretext.
Barhoum noted that the Israeli regime had already violated the sovereignty of Lebanon, Iraq, Tunisia, and Sudan, and still persist in its crimes in Palestine, calling on the Arab League to take a firm stance curbing Israel's repeated violations against the Arab countries.
For his part, deputy head of Hamas's political bureau Mousa Abu Marzouk stated that condemning Israel's air raids on Syria is not enough and the Arab leaders should immediately respond to this violation, especially since Israel had launched several aerial attacks on different Arab countries before.
Abu Marzouk also criticized the international silence and the Arab failure to take action against the crimes that are committed by the Syrian regime everyday against the unarmed civilians in Syria.
5 may 2013
Israeli attacks opened door to all possibilities: Syria
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zohbi
Syria has described the recent Israeli aggression against its territory as a "flagrant violation of international law," adding that the attacks have opened the door "to all possibilities."
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zohbi, told reporters following an emergency government meeting on Sunday that "Syria has the right and the duty to defend its people by all available means" and that Syria will not give in to Israeli aggression.
He stated that the Israeli attacks against Syria have made the Middle East "more dangerous."
Zohbi also stressed that Israeli strikes are evidence of Tel Aviv's links with militants fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
Earlier, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in separate letters to the United Nations and the Security Council that Israeli strikes on Syria show Tel Aviv's coordination with terrorist groups operating in Syria, including al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Israeli warplanes hit several targets near the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Sunday, Israel's second strike on Syria in three days.
According to Syrian media reports, Israeli rockets hit the Jamraya Research Center in Damascus countryside, causing casualties and widespread damage.
It is the second time that Israeli rockets hit the Jamraya Research Center. The facility was first hit in an Israeli airstrike in January.
Iran, Egypt and the Arab League have condemned the recent Israeli aggression against Syria with Arab League calling on the United Nation Security Council to "act immediately to end Israeli attacks on Syria."
Egypt condemns Israeli aggression on Syria
Egypt has condemned the Israeli military aggression against Syria, which based on the Syrian media has targeted a research center in the suburbs of the capital Damascus.
According to a statement released by the Egyptian presidency on Sunday, the air strike “violated international law and principles that will further complicate the situation.”
Meanwhile, the Arab League condemned the attack and called on the United Nation Security Council to “act immediately to end Israeli attacks on Syria.”
On the same day, the Syrian state television said the Jamraya research center, located northwest of the capital, was the target of the Israeli missile attack. There have also been reports of casualties.
The Jamraya research center was also targeted by an Israeli airstrike in January.
The Sunday attack came shortly after Tel Aviv confirmed on Friday that its warplanes had hit a “game-changing” target in Syria.
The Israeli attack “aims at loosening the noose around the terrorists in the eastern Ghouta” region, near Damascus, the state television added.
The turmoil in Syria began over two years ago, and many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel, have been killed. The Syrian government says the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country.
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad said in April that the situation in the country was improving as the army enjoys people’s support in the fight against terrorism.
Syria has described the recent Israeli aggression against its territory as a "flagrant violation of international law," adding that the attacks have opened the door "to all possibilities."
Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zohbi, told reporters following an emergency government meeting on Sunday that "Syria has the right and the duty to defend its people by all available means" and that Syria will not give in to Israeli aggression.
He stated that the Israeli attacks against Syria have made the Middle East "more dangerous."
Zohbi also stressed that Israeli strikes are evidence of Tel Aviv's links with militants fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
Earlier, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said in separate letters to the United Nations and the Security Council that Israeli strikes on Syria show Tel Aviv's coordination with terrorist groups operating in Syria, including al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front.
Israeli warplanes hit several targets near the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Sunday, Israel's second strike on Syria in three days.
According to Syrian media reports, Israeli rockets hit the Jamraya Research Center in Damascus countryside, causing casualties and widespread damage.
It is the second time that Israeli rockets hit the Jamraya Research Center. The facility was first hit in an Israeli airstrike in January.
Iran, Egypt and the Arab League have condemned the recent Israeli aggression against Syria with Arab League calling on the United Nation Security Council to "act immediately to end Israeli attacks on Syria."
Egypt condemns Israeli aggression on Syria
Egypt has condemned the Israeli military aggression against Syria, which based on the Syrian media has targeted a research center in the suburbs of the capital Damascus.
According to a statement released by the Egyptian presidency on Sunday, the air strike “violated international law and principles that will further complicate the situation.”
Meanwhile, the Arab League condemned the attack and called on the United Nation Security Council to “act immediately to end Israeli attacks on Syria.”
On the same day, the Syrian state television said the Jamraya research center, located northwest of the capital, was the target of the Israeli missile attack. There have also been reports of casualties.
The Jamraya research center was also targeted by an Israeli airstrike in January.
The Sunday attack came shortly after Tel Aviv confirmed on Friday that its warplanes had hit a “game-changing” target in Syria.
The Israeli attack “aims at loosening the noose around the terrorists in the eastern Ghouta” region, near Damascus, the state television added.
The turmoil in Syria began over two years ago, and many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel, have been killed. The Syrian government says the chaos is being orchestrated from outside the country.
Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad said in April that the situation in the country was improving as the army enjoys people’s support in the fight against terrorism.
4 may 2013
Israel silent on reports it bombed Syria
Israel was silent on Saturday on US media reports that it launched new air strikes on Syria targeting a weapons shipment to the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
The Israeli military and spokesmen for the defense ministry and prime minister's office declined to comment on the reports.
Israel and Hezbollah, a faithful ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, fought a devastating war in the summer of 2006.
CNN television said US and Western intelligence agencies were reviewing information suggesting Israel conducted a strike overnight on Thursday.
A diplomatic source in Lebanon told AFP the operation destroyed surface-to-air missiles recently delivered by Russia that were being stored at Damascus airport.
Lebanon's army said pairs of Israeli airplanes entered Lebanese airspace three times overnight.
The first two entered over the southern city of Sidon at 7.10 p.m., followed three hours later by a second pair that entered over Jounieh north of Beirut, a statement said.
The last pair flew in over the capital, the statement said, adding that the warplanes stayed in Lebanese airspace for two to three hours at a time.
US media reported that Washington does not believe Israeli warplanes entered Syrian airspace to conduct the strikes.
A senior US official told NBC News that the air strikes were probably tied to delivery systems for chemical weapons.
But a senior Israeli defense official flatly rejected the notion that Hezbollah even wanted chemical weapons.
Amos Gilad said the militant Shiite group "is not eager to get its hands on those (chemical) arms. It is eager to take weapons systems like rockets."
"With chemical weapons it has problems," he said in remarks at a public event, relayed by Israeli media. "Chemical weapons can kill those who don't know how to use it too."
"I want to calm everyone here. Hezbollah doesn't have chemical weapons," he told the audience.
White House and Pentagon officials declined to comment on the air strike reports.
But Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, was quoted as telling an audience that Israel had indeed bombed Syria.
"Israel bombed Syria tonight," Graham was cited by the Politico news website as saying in passing, without offering any further details.
The Israeli military on Saturday declined comment and a defense official said only that Israel was monitoring any possible transfer of chemical weapons.
Israel is "following the situation in Syria and Lebanon, with an emphasis on transferring chemical weapons and special arms," the official told AFP.
If confirmed, this would be the second Israeli air strike on Syria this year.
Earlier this month, Israel implicitly admitted carrying out a January raid on a weapons convoy in Syria thought to be en route to Hezbollah.
The Israeli military and spokesmen for the defense ministry and prime minister's office declined to comment on the reports.
Israel and Hezbollah, a faithful ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad, fought a devastating war in the summer of 2006.
CNN television said US and Western intelligence agencies were reviewing information suggesting Israel conducted a strike overnight on Thursday.
A diplomatic source in Lebanon told AFP the operation destroyed surface-to-air missiles recently delivered by Russia that were being stored at Damascus airport.
Lebanon's army said pairs of Israeli airplanes entered Lebanese airspace three times overnight.
The first two entered over the southern city of Sidon at 7.10 p.m., followed three hours later by a second pair that entered over Jounieh north of Beirut, a statement said.
The last pair flew in over the capital, the statement said, adding that the warplanes stayed in Lebanese airspace for two to three hours at a time.
US media reported that Washington does not believe Israeli warplanes entered Syrian airspace to conduct the strikes.
A senior US official told NBC News that the air strikes were probably tied to delivery systems for chemical weapons.
But a senior Israeli defense official flatly rejected the notion that Hezbollah even wanted chemical weapons.
Amos Gilad said the militant Shiite group "is not eager to get its hands on those (chemical) arms. It is eager to take weapons systems like rockets."
"With chemical weapons it has problems," he said in remarks at a public event, relayed by Israeli media. "Chemical weapons can kill those who don't know how to use it too."
"I want to calm everyone here. Hezbollah doesn't have chemical weapons," he told the audience.
White House and Pentagon officials declined to comment on the air strike reports.
But Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, was quoted as telling an audience that Israel had indeed bombed Syria.
"Israel bombed Syria tonight," Graham was cited by the Politico news website as saying in passing, without offering any further details.
The Israeli military on Saturday declined comment and a defense official said only that Israel was monitoring any possible transfer of chemical weapons.
Israel is "following the situation in Syria and Lebanon, with an emphasis on transferring chemical weapons and special arms," the official told AFP.
If confirmed, this would be the second Israeli air strike on Syria this year.
Earlier this month, Israel implicitly admitted carrying out a January raid on a weapons convoy in Syria thought to be en route to Hezbollah.
US media: Israel bombed Syria
Israeli warplanes have targeted a Syrian weapons shipment headed for Hezbollah in Lebanon, media quoted US officials as saying Saturday, as Sunnis were fleeing a city for fear of a massacre.
The news came as US President Barack Obama, under mounting criticism that he has allowed Bashar Assad's regime to cross his own declared "red line" on using chemical weapons, came close to ruling out deploying US troops to Syria.
CNN said US and Western intelligence agencies were reviewing information suggesting Israel likely conducted a strike overnight on Thursday.
But the United States does not believe Israeli warplanes entered Syrian airspace to carry out the strikes, it added.
NBC cited US officials as saying it was believed the primary target was a weapons shipment headed for Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese Shiite militant group closely allied to President Assad's regime.
One of the officials said the strike was likely tied to delivery systems for chemical weapons, but CNN cited officials as saying there was no reason to believe Israel had struck chemical weapons storage facilities.
White House and Pentagon officials declined to comment and Israel was tightlipped on the reports.
An Israeli defence official stressed to AFP that Israel "was following the situation in Syria and Lebanon, with an emphasis on transferring chemical weapons and special arms."
If confirmed, this would mark the second time Israel has hit Syria this year.
Earlier this month, Israel implicitly admitted carrying out a January air strike on a weapons convoy thought to be en route to Hezbollah.
In Syria, hundreds of families were fleeing Sunni districts of the city of Banias on Saturday, fearing new attacks after a "massacre" in a nearby Sunni village, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
"Hundreds of families are fleeing Sunni neighbourhoods in Banias in fear of a new massacre," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.
The exodus comes after shelling on Sunni neighbourhoods of the city on Friday, and reports of a "large-scale massacre" in a Sunni village nearby on Thursday.
Video from Ras al-Nabaa shot by activists and distributed by the Observatory showed a pile of bloodied bodies lying in a street, a least one of them that of a child.
The exodus follows reports of a "massacre" of at least 50 people in the Sunni village of Bayda, south of Banias.
The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources on the ground, said the deaths were the result of summary executions and shelling.
The Banias region is a bastion of the Alawites, an offshoot of Shiite Islam and the sect to which Assad belongs, while the insurgents battling to topple his regime are mainly Sunni Muslims.
The opposition National Coalition denounced a "large-scale massacre" by regime forces on Thursday in Bayda, citing witness reports of civilians being stabbed to death.
Syrian state media said troops killed "terrorists" -- the regime term for insurgents -- and seized arms in an operation targeting rebels.
Abdel Rahman said troops were raiding homes and making arrests.
"I fear that there could be a massacre like the one that happened yesterday in Bayda."
The latest violence also took its toll on Good Friday and many Syrian Orthodox Christians did not expect churches to be full for the solemn prayers marking the crucifixion of Christ.
"I don't dare to go to church tonight," said Shaza, a mother in Damascus.
Speaking in San Jose, Costa Rica, Obama came close to ruling out deploying US troops to Syria, saying he did not foresee a scenario in which that would be beneficial to either country.
"As a general rule, I don't rule things out as commander-in-chief because circumstances change and you want to make sure that I always have the full power of the United States at our disposal to meet American national security interests," said Obama.
"Having said that, I do not foresee a scenario in which boots on the ground in Syria -- American boots on the ground in Syria-- would not only be good for America but also would be good for Syria."
Speculation has mounted the Obama administration could reverse its opposition to arming the rebels after the White House said last week Assad had likely used chemical weapons on his people.
The US says the Syrian conflict, now in its third year, has killed more than 70,000 people.
The news came as US President Barack Obama, under mounting criticism that he has allowed Bashar Assad's regime to cross his own declared "red line" on using chemical weapons, came close to ruling out deploying US troops to Syria.
CNN said US and Western intelligence agencies were reviewing information suggesting Israel likely conducted a strike overnight on Thursday.
But the United States does not believe Israeli warplanes entered Syrian airspace to carry out the strikes, it added.
NBC cited US officials as saying it was believed the primary target was a weapons shipment headed for Hezbollah, the powerful Lebanese Shiite militant group closely allied to President Assad's regime.
One of the officials said the strike was likely tied to delivery systems for chemical weapons, but CNN cited officials as saying there was no reason to believe Israel had struck chemical weapons storage facilities.
White House and Pentagon officials declined to comment and Israel was tightlipped on the reports.
An Israeli defence official stressed to AFP that Israel "was following the situation in Syria and Lebanon, with an emphasis on transferring chemical weapons and special arms."
If confirmed, this would mark the second time Israel has hit Syria this year.
Earlier this month, Israel implicitly admitted carrying out a January air strike on a weapons convoy thought to be en route to Hezbollah.
In Syria, hundreds of families were fleeing Sunni districts of the city of Banias on Saturday, fearing new attacks after a "massacre" in a nearby Sunni village, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
"Hundreds of families are fleeing Sunni neighbourhoods in Banias in fear of a new massacre," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.
The exodus comes after shelling on Sunni neighbourhoods of the city on Friday, and reports of a "large-scale massacre" in a Sunni village nearby on Thursday.
Video from Ras al-Nabaa shot by activists and distributed by the Observatory showed a pile of bloodied bodies lying in a street, a least one of them that of a child.
The exodus follows reports of a "massacre" of at least 50 people in the Sunni village of Bayda, south of Banias.
The Observatory, which relies on a network of sources on the ground, said the deaths were the result of summary executions and shelling.
The Banias region is a bastion of the Alawites, an offshoot of Shiite Islam and the sect to which Assad belongs, while the insurgents battling to topple his regime are mainly Sunni Muslims.
The opposition National Coalition denounced a "large-scale massacre" by regime forces on Thursday in Bayda, citing witness reports of civilians being stabbed to death.
Syrian state media said troops killed "terrorists" -- the regime term for insurgents -- and seized arms in an operation targeting rebels.
Abdel Rahman said troops were raiding homes and making arrests.
"I fear that there could be a massacre like the one that happened yesterday in Bayda."
The latest violence also took its toll on Good Friday and many Syrian Orthodox Christians did not expect churches to be full for the solemn prayers marking the crucifixion of Christ.
"I don't dare to go to church tonight," said Shaza, a mother in Damascus.
Speaking in San Jose, Costa Rica, Obama came close to ruling out deploying US troops to Syria, saying he did not foresee a scenario in which that would be beneficial to either country.
"As a general rule, I don't rule things out as commander-in-chief because circumstances change and you want to make sure that I always have the full power of the United States at our disposal to meet American national security interests," said Obama.
"Having said that, I do not foresee a scenario in which boots on the ground in Syria -- American boots on the ground in Syria-- would not only be good for America but also would be good for Syria."
Speculation has mounted the Obama administration could reverse its opposition to arming the rebels after the White House said last week Assad had likely used chemical weapons on his people.
The US says the Syrian conflict, now in its third year, has killed more than 70,000 people.
3 may 2013
3 Palestinians killed in Syria violence, group says
Three more Palestinians have killed in Syria, the Damascus-based working group for Palestine said Friday.
Ihsan Ramzi Qadoura, 53, from Yarmouk refugee camp was shot dead on Thursday, the group said.
Amar Ali Shihabi was killed in the field and Adel Abu al-Hassan from al-Aiden refugee camp died Homs, according to the group.
Ihsan Ramzi Qadoura, 53, from Yarmouk refugee camp was shot dead on Thursday, the group said.
Amar Ali Shihabi was killed in the field and Adel Abu al-Hassan from al-Aiden refugee camp died Homs, according to the group.
2 may 2013
1267 Palestinian martyrs since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution
The Working Group for Palestinian Refugees in Syria confirmed that nearly 1267 Palestinian refugees were martyred in Syria while tens of thousands were displaced since the outbreak of the Syrian revolution. The Working Group called on UNRWA to intervene to stop the continued conflict in Syria that led to a real humanitarian disaster, noting that the Palestinian refugees are subjected to heinous crimes where 235 thousands refugees were displaced in Syria.
The Group expressed, in a statement on Thursday, its concern towards the displacement of about 6000 Palestinian refugees on April 26 from Ein el-Tal refugee camp in Aleppo in northern Syria.
The Group's reporter confirmed the martyrdom of 4 Palestinian refugees in Syria in light of the continued shelling on Palestinian camps.
Al-A'adin Palestinian refugee camp was subjected to shelling where several injuries were reported, while the Syrian regime forces have stormed the camp looking for "wanted" amid intensive fire.
In al-Sabina refugee camp, the shelling targeted al-Khodra market, no one was injured. The reporter pointed out to the food and fuel shortage in the camp.
A state of tension and panic prevailed in Khan al-Sheikh refugee camp after a rocket landed in the camp causing a huge fire. The camp still suffers food shortage and power and communication outages.
Yarmouk refugee camp is still witnessing a difficult living condition due to the continued siege imposed by the regime army, led to food and fuel shortage and lack of medicines.
The Group expressed, in a statement on Thursday, its concern towards the displacement of about 6000 Palestinian refugees on April 26 from Ein el-Tal refugee camp in Aleppo in northern Syria.
The Group's reporter confirmed the martyrdom of 4 Palestinian refugees in Syria in light of the continued shelling on Palestinian camps.
Al-A'adin Palestinian refugee camp was subjected to shelling where several injuries were reported, while the Syrian regime forces have stormed the camp looking for "wanted" amid intensive fire.
In al-Sabina refugee camp, the shelling targeted al-Khodra market, no one was injured. The reporter pointed out to the food and fuel shortage in the camp.
A state of tension and panic prevailed in Khan al-Sheikh refugee camp after a rocket landed in the camp causing a huge fire. The camp still suffers food shortage and power and communication outages.
Yarmouk refugee camp is still witnessing a difficult living condition due to the continued siege imposed by the regime army, led to food and fuel shortage and lack of medicines.
