18 may 2013
|
‘Video shows Israeli special forces in Syria’
Fox News has published a video allegedly showing Israeli special forces on a mission inside the Syrian soil. The American news network added that it "captured, for the very first time, Israeli commandos coming back from inside Syria on a mission." The report does not specify how or where the film has been captured. But it appears to be near the occupied Golan Heights. Israel has recently boosted military activities in the area. The video raised some concerning aspects of Israel regime's role in the 26-month-old conflict in Syria. There have been no comments from Israeli officials on the report. |
The report came as the Israeli regime has launched three unilateral strikes inside Syria since January.
Syria along with a number of regional countries has condemned the attacks as violation of sovereignty.
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.
Syria along with a number of regional countries has condemned the attacks as violation of sovereignty.
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.
17 may 2013
Israeli regime mulling more strikes on Syria: Report
Smoke and fire fill the skyline over the Syrian capital, Damascus, after an Israeli airstrike hit the Jamraya Research Center, May 5, 2013.
An Israeli official has hinted that the Tel Aviv regime is mulling more strikes on Syria, a report says.
On May 5, Syria said the Israeli regime had carried out an airstrike targeting a research center in a suburb of Damascus, following heavy losses inflicted upon al-Qaeda-affiliated groups by the Syrian army. According to Syrian media reports, the strike hit the Jamraya Research Center.
On Wednesday, the New York Times quoted the Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, that if Syria “reacts by attacking Israel,” Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will risk forfeiting his government “for Israel will retaliate.”
The Tel Aviv regime has made no comments on the remarks.
Mark Regev, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has said, “We’re not going to comment on the story.”
The May 5 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.
On May 9, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad said Damascus would “respond immediately” to any new Israeli act of aggression.
Miqdad categorically rejected Western media reports that the Tel Aviv regime had targeted weapons bound for the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.
The Israeli official also claimed that Tel Aviv had so far ‘refrained’ from intervening in the internal affairs of Syria.
Western powers and their regional allies including the Israeli regime, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are partners in supporting the militant groups in Syria.
Turmoil has gripped Syria for over two years, and many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the foreign-sponsored militancy.
An Israeli official has hinted that the Tel Aviv regime is mulling more strikes on Syria, a report says.
On May 5, Syria said the Israeli regime had carried out an airstrike targeting a research center in a suburb of Damascus, following heavy losses inflicted upon al-Qaeda-affiliated groups by the Syrian army. According to Syrian media reports, the strike hit the Jamraya Research Center.
On Wednesday, the New York Times quoted the Israeli official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, that if Syria “reacts by attacking Israel,” Syrian President Bashar al-Assad will risk forfeiting his government “for Israel will retaliate.”
The Tel Aviv regime has made no comments on the remarks.
Mark Regev, a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has said, “We’re not going to comment on the story.”
The May 5 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.
On May 9, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad said Damascus would “respond immediately” to any new Israeli act of aggression.
Miqdad categorically rejected Western media reports that the Tel Aviv regime had targeted weapons bound for the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.
The Israeli official also claimed that Tel Aviv had so far ‘refrained’ from intervening in the internal affairs of Syria.
Western powers and their regional allies including the Israeli regime, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are partners in supporting the militant groups in Syria.
Turmoil has gripped Syria for over two years, and many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the foreign-sponsored militancy.
CIA chief John Brennan visits Israel to discuss Syria
John Brennan, director of the US spy agency CIA
The director of the US spy agency CIA has visited the occupied Palestinian territories to discuss the situation in Syria with Israeli officials.
An unnamed Israeli official said John Brennan arrived in Tel Aviv on Thursday and went straight into a meeting with Israeli Minister for Military Affairs Moshe Yaalon.
The Tel Aviv regime has not provided any details about the meeting.
Brennan’s visit comes two days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the crisis in Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
During the meeting, Putin warned against any moves that would further destabilize the situation in Syria and said, “In this crucial period it is especially important to avoid any moves that can shake the situation.”
The Russian president made the comments days after the Israeli military launched airstrikes on two research centers near Damascus following heavy losses inflicted upon al-Qaeda-affiliated groups by the Syrian army.
Turmoil has gripped Syria for over two years, and many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the foreign-sponsored militancy.
Western powers and their regional allies including the Israeli regime, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are partners in supporting the militant groups in Syria.
The director of the US spy agency CIA has visited the occupied Palestinian territories to discuss the situation in Syria with Israeli officials.
An unnamed Israeli official said John Brennan arrived in Tel Aviv on Thursday and went straight into a meeting with Israeli Minister for Military Affairs Moshe Yaalon.
The Tel Aviv regime has not provided any details about the meeting.
Brennan’s visit comes two days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the crisis in Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
During the meeting, Putin warned against any moves that would further destabilize the situation in Syria and said, “In this crucial period it is especially important to avoid any moves that can shake the situation.”
The Russian president made the comments days after the Israeli military launched airstrikes on two research centers near Damascus following heavy losses inflicted upon al-Qaeda-affiliated groups by the Syrian army.
Turmoil has gripped Syria for over two years, and many people, including large numbers of Syrian soldiers and security personnel, have been killed in the foreign-sponsored militancy.
Western powers and their regional allies including the Israeli regime, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are partners in supporting the militant groups in Syria.
14 may 2013
Haneyya calls for an end to Palestinian bloodshed in Syria
Gaza premier Ismail Haneyya said on Monday that his government will not stand idle regarding the killing of Palestinians whether inside or outside Palestine.
This came during a conference ''United for Return'' held by Hamas's Department of Refugees Affairs in Gaza with the participation of Arab delegations and Palestinians from diaspora.
Haneyya condemned the killing and massacre of Palestinian refugees in Syria's ongoing conflict, and called for putting an end to the bloodshed in Syria.
"We have hosted in the Gaza Strip hundreds of our people who returned from Syria. They are living now among their families after being displaced due to the situation in Syria," the Prime Minister said.
He added that the right of return and the liberation of Palestine will never be achieved or obtained through negotiations, but through resistance, steadfastness and unity.
The Prime Minister called for an end to the division on the basis of what was signed in Cairo, stressing that Hamas wants to achieve the Palestinian national reconciliation in order to join the forces in confronting the occupation.
He also urged the Arab and Islamic nation to unite and support the Palestinian cause.
Haneyya called for adopting the issue of Jordanian prisoners, held in Israeli jails for defending the Palestinian cause, and for expelling of the Israeli Ambassador Daniel Nevo from Amman.
This came during a conference ''United for Return'' held by Hamas's Department of Refugees Affairs in Gaza with the participation of Arab delegations and Palestinians from diaspora.
Haneyya condemned the killing and massacre of Palestinian refugees in Syria's ongoing conflict, and called for putting an end to the bloodshed in Syria.
"We have hosted in the Gaza Strip hundreds of our people who returned from Syria. They are living now among their families after being displaced due to the situation in Syria," the Prime Minister said.
He added that the right of return and the liberation of Palestine will never be achieved or obtained through negotiations, but through resistance, steadfastness and unity.
The Prime Minister called for an end to the division on the basis of what was signed in Cairo, stressing that Hamas wants to achieve the Palestinian national reconciliation in order to join the forces in confronting the occupation.
He also urged the Arab and Islamic nation to unite and support the Palestinian cause.
Haneyya called for adopting the issue of Jordanian prisoners, held in Israeli jails for defending the Palestinian cause, and for expelling of the Israeli Ambassador Daniel Nevo from Amman.
10 may 2013
Turkey to support potential US-led no-fly zone on Syria: Erdogan
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara will support the United States if Washington plans to impose a no-fly zone on Syria.
“Right from the beginning… we would say ‘yes,’” Erdogan stated in response to a question during an interview with NBC News on Thursday that whether Turkey would back such a potential move by the US against Syria.
The Syrian government says Turkey has been playing a key role in fueling the unrest in Syria by financing, training, and arming the militants since the turmoil erupted in March 2011.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in April that Turkey’s government “officially harbors terrorists and sends them into Syria.”
On March 19, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Admiral James Stavridis, who is the commander of US European Command, said the member states of the military alliance had held negotiations over enforcing a no-fly zone over Syria and providing lethal support to the militant groups, the Washington Post reported.
In another part of the NBC interview, the Turkish premier further reiterated claims that Syria had used chemical weapons in its fight against foreign-sponsored militants.
Contrary to Erdogan’s unfounded allegations, the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria said on May 5 that it found testimony from victims and medical staff that showed militants had used the nerve agent sarin in Syria, which has been classified as a weapon of mass destruction in UN Resolution 687.
The UN commission of inquiry also said that it could not find any evidence that the Syrian government had used chemical weapons against militants.
On March 19, over two dozen people were killed and many others injured when militants fired missiles containing a chemical substance into a village near the northwestern city of Aleppo, according to a report by Syria’s official news agency SANA.
The Turkish prime minister also said in the interview that the United States should “assume more responsibilities and take further steps” regarding the issue of chemical weapons in Syria, “And what sort of steps they will take, we are going to talk about this.”
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara will support the United States if Washington plans to impose a no-fly zone on Syria.
“Right from the beginning… we would say ‘yes,’” Erdogan stated in response to a question during an interview with NBC News on Thursday that whether Turkey would back such a potential move by the US against Syria.
The Syrian government says Turkey has been playing a key role in fueling the unrest in Syria by financing, training, and arming the militants since the turmoil erupted in March 2011.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in April that Turkey’s government “officially harbors terrorists and sends them into Syria.”
On March 19, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Admiral James Stavridis, who is the commander of US European Command, said the member states of the military alliance had held negotiations over enforcing a no-fly zone over Syria and providing lethal support to the militant groups, the Washington Post reported.
In another part of the NBC interview, the Turkish premier further reiterated claims that Syria had used chemical weapons in its fight against foreign-sponsored militants.
Contrary to Erdogan’s unfounded allegations, the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on Syria said on May 5 that it found testimony from victims and medical staff that showed militants had used the nerve agent sarin in Syria, which has been classified as a weapon of mass destruction in UN Resolution 687.
The UN commission of inquiry also said that it could not find any evidence that the Syrian government had used chemical weapons against militants.
On March 19, over two dozen people were killed and many others injured when militants fired missiles containing a chemical substance into a village near the northwestern city of Aleppo, according to a report by Syria’s official news agency SANA.
The Turkish prime minister also said in the interview that the United States should “assume more responsibilities and take further steps” regarding the issue of chemical weapons in Syria, “And what sort of steps they will take, we are going to talk about this.”
9 may 2013
Syria to respond immediately to any new Israeli attack: Syria deputy FM
Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad
Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad says the country will "respond immediately" to any new Israeli aggression against Syrian territory.
"The instruction has been made to respond immediately to any new Israeli attack without (additional) instruction from any higher leadership, and our retaliation will be strong and will be painful against Israel," Miqdad told AFP on Thursday.
He also vehemently dismissed Western media reports that Israel targeted weapons bound for Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah.
"They absolutely did not achieve their objective and they lied when they said they are targeting Hezbollah," he said, adding, "There is no way Syria will allow this to happen again."
On May 5, 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.
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 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 added.
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.
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.
Hezbollah: Israel struck to break Syria resistance
Hezbollah Secretary-General Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah says the recent Israeli strikes against Syria were meant to force the country to abandon resistance against Israel.
Speaking in a televised speech in Beirut on Thursday, Nasrallah said the attacks were part of an Israeli ongoing campaign to prevent the resistance from becoming stronger.
“With regards to the Israeli strikes on Syria, the Israeli enemy is seeking to achieve its aims, one of which is to exclude and eliminate it as a factor within the ongoing resistance against Israel,” he stated.
“Israel knows that the source of strength of the resistance in Lebanon and Palestine is Syria. That is why it wants to remove it from the resistance front,” Nasrallah pointed out.
On May 5, 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 inflicted by the Syrian army. According to Syrian media reports, Israeli rockets struck the Jamraya Research Center.
It was the second time that Israeli rockets hit the Jamraya Research Center. The facility was first hit in an Israeli airstrike in January.
The leader of the Lebanese resistance movement also said that the Syrian leadership has strong nerves, and has foiled Israel’s plots through a wise, logical, and strategic approach.
“Syria has a wise leadership that oversees the battle with the Israelis through a strategic mind,” he noted.
Nasrallah also said Hezbollah has been enjoying a strong support from Syria, like that of no other Arab country.
He went on to say that the Lebanese movement will stand by the Syrian resistance against Israel, specifically in its struggle to free the Golan Heights, referring to the part of the Syrian territory, which is under Israeli occupation.
Nasrallah said Hezbollah has the capability to obtain what he described as unique weapons that could be used to defend Lebanon against the enemies.
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.
Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal al-Miqdad says the country will "respond immediately" to any new Israeli aggression against Syrian territory.
"The instruction has been made to respond immediately to any new Israeli attack without (additional) instruction from any higher leadership, and our retaliation will be strong and will be painful against Israel," Miqdad told AFP on Thursday.
He also vehemently dismissed Western media reports that Israel targeted weapons bound for Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah.
"They absolutely did not achieve their objective and they lied when they said they are targeting Hezbollah," he said, adding, "There is no way Syria will allow this to happen again."
On May 5, 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.
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 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 added.
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.
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.
Hezbollah: Israel struck to break Syria resistance
Hezbollah Secretary-General Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah says the recent Israeli strikes against Syria were meant to force the country to abandon resistance against Israel.
Speaking in a televised speech in Beirut on Thursday, Nasrallah said the attacks were part of an Israeli ongoing campaign to prevent the resistance from becoming stronger.
“With regards to the Israeli strikes on Syria, the Israeli enemy is seeking to achieve its aims, one of which is to exclude and eliminate it as a factor within the ongoing resistance against Israel,” he stated.
“Israel knows that the source of strength of the resistance in Lebanon and Palestine is Syria. That is why it wants to remove it from the resistance front,” Nasrallah pointed out.
On May 5, 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 inflicted by the Syrian army. According to Syrian media reports, Israeli rockets struck the Jamraya Research Center.
It was the second time that Israeli rockets hit the Jamraya Research Center. The facility was first hit in an Israeli airstrike in January.
The leader of the Lebanese resistance movement also said that the Syrian leadership has strong nerves, and has foiled Israel’s plots through a wise, logical, and strategic approach.
“Syria has a wise leadership that oversees the battle with the Israelis through a strategic mind,” he noted.
Nasrallah also said Hezbollah has been enjoying a strong support from Syria, like that of no other Arab country.
He went on to say that the Lebanese movement will stand by the Syrian resistance against Israel, specifically in its struggle to free the Golan Heights, referring to the part of the Syrian territory, which is under Israeli occupation.
Nasrallah said Hezbollah has the capability to obtain what he described as unique weapons that could be used to defend Lebanon against the enemies.
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.
Report: 56,000 Palestinian refugees fled Syria to neighboring Lebanon, Jordan
The action group for Palestinians in Syria has said that around 6,000 Palestinian refugees had left Syria for Jordan while around 50,000 others had gone to Lebanon.
The group said in a statement on Thursday that the refugees fled war-torn Syria after shelling and shooting targeted their refugee camps.
The reported noted that a number of shells slammed into Khan Al-Sheikh refugee camp causing big material damage while another salvo on Wednesday night caused injuries among camp inhabitants.
It pointed out that the inhabitants were suffering from high prices and shortages in foodstuff and bread after flour ran out of stock in the camp.
The report said that a bomb shell exploded in Husseiniya refugee camp and its inhabitants were suffering as a result of the blockade imposed on the camp by the Syrian regular army, adding that foodstuff, fuel and flour were scarce.
The group said in a statement on Thursday that the refugees fled war-torn Syria after shelling and shooting targeted their refugee camps.
The reported noted that a number of shells slammed into Khan Al-Sheikh refugee camp causing big material damage while another salvo on Wednesday night caused injuries among camp inhabitants.
It pointed out that the inhabitants were suffering from high prices and shortages in foodstuff and bread after flour ran out of stock in the camp.
The report said that a bomb shell exploded in Husseiniya refugee camp and its inhabitants were suffering as a result of the blockade imposed on the camp by the Syrian regular army, adding that foodstuff, fuel and flour were scarce.
8 may 2013
Israel: “Reconciliation With Turkey Enabled Us To Strike Syria
”Senior Israeli military and security officials stated that the reconciliation with Turkey, and the progressing relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv, enabled Israel, over the last few days, to carry out several air strikes against Syrian targets.
Israeli Yedioth Aharonoth quoted Israeli officials stating that the apology made by Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for the death of nine Turkish activists on board the MV Marmara solidarity ship, on May 31 2010, allowed Israel to operate freely in the north without fearing a confrontation with Ankara.
The officials said that the reconciliation and good relations with Turkey would eventually lead to a future regional cooperation “against Iran and terrorist groups in the region”.
They also said that the current relations with Turkey also granted Israel an enormous international support regarding air strikes carried out, last Sunday and Thursday, against Syrian targets, especially U.S. and British support.
Meanwhile, Israeli media sources reported that Tel Aviv and Ankara are about to sign an agreement for financial compensation for the victims of the Israeli attack on MV Marara.
Furthermore, senior Israeli Foreign Ministry officials held a meeting, Monday, in an attempt to determine the amount of the proposed financial compensation.
The Israeli paper further reported that the meeting was described as positive, and that both parties managed to reach a draft agreement, but added that “there are other related issues that need to be addressed before the final deal is sealed.”
An Israeli official said that Israel estimates the compensation amount to reach five or six million USD, and in return, Turkey vows to void all lawsuits filed against Israeli military officials, and soldiers, involved in the attack and the death of the nine Turkish solidarity activists.
In addition, Turkey reportedly promised to approve an amendment that allows the Turkish government to prevent Turkish citizens from suing Israel or its soldiers in the future.
Israeli Yedioth Aharonoth quoted Israeli officials stating that the apology made by Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for the death of nine Turkish activists on board the MV Marmara solidarity ship, on May 31 2010, allowed Israel to operate freely in the north without fearing a confrontation with Ankara.
The officials said that the reconciliation and good relations with Turkey would eventually lead to a future regional cooperation “against Iran and terrorist groups in the region”.
They also said that the current relations with Turkey also granted Israel an enormous international support regarding air strikes carried out, last Sunday and Thursday, against Syrian targets, especially U.S. and British support.
Meanwhile, Israeli media sources reported that Tel Aviv and Ankara are about to sign an agreement for financial compensation for the victims of the Israeli attack on MV Marara.
Furthermore, senior Israeli Foreign Ministry officials held a meeting, Monday, in an attempt to determine the amount of the proposed financial compensation.
The Israeli paper further reported that the meeting was described as positive, and that both parties managed to reach a draft agreement, but added that “there are other related issues that need to be addressed before the final deal is sealed.”
An Israeli official said that Israel estimates the compensation amount to reach five or six million USD, and in return, Turkey vows to void all lawsuits filed against Israeli military officials, and soldiers, involved in the attack and the death of the nine Turkish solidarity activists.
In addition, Turkey reportedly promised to approve an amendment that allows the Turkish government to prevent Turkish citizens from suing Israel or its soldiers in the future.
Syria Allegedly Grants Palestinian Group Green Light To Attack Israel
A Political leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command, based in Syria, stated that Damascus allegedly granted the Front an unofficial green light to attack Israeli targets from Syrian territory.
Anwar Raja, told the Associated Press that although the green light has been granted, there has never been an official statement by the Syrian government in this regard.
Furthermore, the official Syrian TV reported that Damascus would not stop any Palestinian armed group from attacking Israel, mainly targets in the occupied Golan Heights.
A Syrian diplomat said that Israel crossed red lights by attacking the Syrian Scientific Research Facility, and a Syrian Air Force brigade. The attacks were not the first of their kind against Syrian targets.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, interviewed a source in the PFLP-GC who said that the recent development is a symbolic move meant to express Syrian support for the Palestinians, and is not a call for war with Tel Aviv; as such a war could ignite the entire region.
The source’s statements came in response to reports published by a major Syrian newspaper claiming that President Bashar Assad and his regime have given a green light to all armed Palestinian groups, stationed in the country, to attack Israel.
The Al-Watan newspaper reported that Syria is still committed to granting Palestinian armed groups in the country with all needed weapons, and even gave them, according to the report, a list of targets in the Golan.
It also said that Syria even deployed army officers near the border, and instructed them to act against any Israeli act of aggression, and that the army also deployed missile launchers that could strike certain targets in Israel, should Israel attack Syria again.
According to Haaretz, the PFLP-GC source said that he does not believe an escalation is about to take place, and that the reported green light is “only a statement meant to sending a message to Tel Aviv that Syria will not allow Israel to attack it.”
The source further stated that Israel sent message to Syria through Russia, informing the Syrian leadership that Tel Aviv wants to reduce tension in the region, and that both Tel Aviv and Damascus want to practice restraint, Haaretz reported.
Anwar Raja, told the Associated Press that although the green light has been granted, there has never been an official statement by the Syrian government in this regard.
Furthermore, the official Syrian TV reported that Damascus would not stop any Palestinian armed group from attacking Israel, mainly targets in the occupied Golan Heights.
A Syrian diplomat said that Israel crossed red lights by attacking the Syrian Scientific Research Facility, and a Syrian Air Force brigade. The attacks were not the first of their kind against Syrian targets.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, interviewed a source in the PFLP-GC who said that the recent development is a symbolic move meant to express Syrian support for the Palestinians, and is not a call for war with Tel Aviv; as such a war could ignite the entire region.
The source’s statements came in response to reports published by a major Syrian newspaper claiming that President Bashar Assad and his regime have given a green light to all armed Palestinian groups, stationed in the country, to attack Israel.
The Al-Watan newspaper reported that Syria is still committed to granting Palestinian armed groups in the country with all needed weapons, and even gave them, according to the report, a list of targets in the Golan.
It also said that Syria even deployed army officers near the border, and instructed them to act against any Israeli act of aggression, and that the army also deployed missile launchers that could strike certain targets in Israel, should Israel attack Syria again.
According to Haaretz, the PFLP-GC source said that he does not believe an escalation is about to take place, and that the reported green light is “only a statement meant to sending a message to Tel Aviv that Syria will not allow Israel to attack it.”
The source further stated that Israel sent message to Syria through Russia, informing the Syrian leadership that Tel Aviv wants to reduce tension in the region, and that both Tel Aviv and Damascus want to practice restraint, Haaretz reported.
7 may 2013
|
Israel, al-Qaeda ties out in open, analyst saysAn American political analyst tells Press TV that ties between the Israeli regime and al-Qaeda are out in the open.
“The Syrian government is having more and more success in reestablishing sovereignty…and so in a last-ditch desperate measure, this unholy alliance as you put it very aptly, between Israel and al-Qaeda has come right out into the open,” Dr. Kevin Barrett said during an interview with Press TV. Barrett added that Tel Aviv was now attacking Syria on behalf of al-Qaeda, because its "mercenaries” had failed its war in the Arab country. Over the past few days, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Syria. On Sunday, Syria’s Jamraya Research Center came under Israeli attack for the second time this year. |
Syrian officials say Tel Aviv used depleted uranium in its recent attack on the outskirts of Damascus.
Barrett, a member of the Muslim-Jewish-Christian Alliance from Wisconsin, said that al-Qaeda-linked groups have been serving Tel Aviv all along.
According to the political analyst, Israel, working with groups such as the al-Nusra Front, has crafted the current war on the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to spread instability in the region.
He said that Israel has designed the war in Syria “to destabilize Syria and create permanent fitna in the Muslim community; pitting Sunni against Shia...”
Barrett, a member of the Muslim-Jewish-Christian Alliance from Wisconsin, said that al-Qaeda-linked groups have been serving Tel Aviv all along.
According to the political analyst, Israel, working with groups such as the al-Nusra Front, has crafted the current war on the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to spread instability in the region.
He said that Israel has designed the war in Syria “to destabilize Syria and create permanent fitna in the Muslim community; pitting Sunni against Shia...”
Ban voices concern over Israel aggression against Syria
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed grave concern over the Israeli regime’s recent aggression against Syria.
Ban “expresses grave concern over reports of air strikes in Syria by the Israeli Air Force,” the UN secretary-general’s spokesman Martin Nesirky said in a statement on Sunday.
"The secretary-general urges respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region, and adherence to all relevant Security Council resolutions," Nesirky also said.
Ban also called on “all sides to exercise maximum calm and restraint, and to act with a sense of responsibility” in order to avoid an escalation of conflict in Syria.
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 target in Syria.
Meanwhile, a senior Syrian official told Russia Today that Israel used "a new type of weapon" during the airstrike.
“When the explosion happened, it felt like an earthquake. Then a giant golden mushroom of fire appeared. This tells us that Israel used depleted uranium shells,” said the official, who asked not to be named.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Sunday called the attacks as “a declaration of war.”
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 unrest in Syria began in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of army and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.
EU concerned after Israeli airstrikes
The European Union has expressed “great concern” following the Israeli regime’s recent airstrikes against targets in Syria.
Micheal Mann, spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, said on Monday that the EU was “looking with great concern at the recent developments in and around Syria.”
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 target in Syria.
Mann said that the recent attacks “risk dragging the region into expanding conflict.”
"We call on all parties to avoid jeopardizing what is already a fragile security situation," Mann also said calling on all sides to engage in search for a diplomatic solution.
"We want to avoid spillover effects," he added.
Syria condemned the aggression on Sunday, describing Israel’s attacks as aiming to give “direct military support” to the foreign-backed militants fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry has sent a letter to the U.N. Security Council that the attacks killed and wounded several people and "caused widespread destruction."
The unrest in Syria began in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of army and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.
Israeli attacks on Syria "unacceptable": Erdogan
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on a research center near the Syrian capital as "unacceptable."
Erdogan told a parliamentary meeting of his ruling party on Tuesday that "no excuse can justify" the Israeli act of aggression against Syria.
"The airstrike Israel carried out on Damascus is completely unacceptable. There is no rationale, no pretext that can excuse this operation," Erdogan said.
Turkish premier, whose country supports militants fighting against the Syrian government, also said that the Israeli attacks provided what he called a "golden opportunity" for President Bashar al-Assad to cover up massacres of opponents.
Israeli warplanes hit the Jamraya Research Center in the outskirts of Damascus on Sunday two days after striking another target in the country.
Syrian media reports say the Sunday attack caused a number of casualties and widespread damage. Some reports say Israel used depleted uranium in its airstrike against the Jamraya Research Center. The facility was first hit in an Israeli air strike in January.
The Israeli attacks have drawn widespread international criticism and Iran, Egypt and China have strongly condemned the attacks. The Arab League has called on the United Nation Security Council to "act immediately to end Israeli attacks 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.
Ban “expresses grave concern over reports of air strikes in Syria by the Israeli Air Force,” the UN secretary-general’s spokesman Martin Nesirky said in a statement on Sunday.
"The secretary-general urges respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region, and adherence to all relevant Security Council resolutions," Nesirky also said.
Ban also called on “all sides to exercise maximum calm and restraint, and to act with a sense of responsibility” in order to avoid an escalation of conflict in Syria.
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 target in Syria.
Meanwhile, a senior Syrian official told Russia Today that Israel used "a new type of weapon" during the airstrike.
“When the explosion happened, it felt like an earthquake. Then a giant golden mushroom of fire appeared. This tells us that Israel used depleted uranium shells,” said the official, who asked not to be named.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Sunday called the attacks as “a declaration of war.”
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 unrest in Syria began in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of army and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.
EU concerned after Israeli airstrikes
The European Union has expressed “great concern” following the Israeli regime’s recent airstrikes against targets in Syria.
Micheal Mann, spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, said on Monday that the EU was “looking with great concern at the recent developments in and around Syria.”
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 target in Syria.
Mann said that the recent attacks “risk dragging the region into expanding conflict.”
"We call on all parties to avoid jeopardizing what is already a fragile security situation," Mann also said calling on all sides to engage in search for a diplomatic solution.
"We want to avoid spillover effects," he added.
Syria condemned the aggression on Sunday, describing Israel’s attacks as aiming to give “direct military support” to the foreign-backed militants fighting against the government of President Bashar al-Assad.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry has sent a letter to the U.N. Security Council that the attacks killed and wounded several people and "caused widespread destruction."
The unrest in Syria began in March 2011, and many people, including large numbers of army and security personnel, have been killed in the violence.
Israeli attacks on Syria "unacceptable": Erdogan
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on a research center near the Syrian capital as "unacceptable."
Erdogan told a parliamentary meeting of his ruling party on Tuesday that "no excuse can justify" the Israeli act of aggression against Syria.
"The airstrike Israel carried out on Damascus is completely unacceptable. There is no rationale, no pretext that can excuse this operation," Erdogan said.
Turkish premier, whose country supports militants fighting against the Syrian government, also said that the Israeli attacks provided what he called a "golden opportunity" for President Bashar al-Assad to cover up massacres of opponents.
Israeli warplanes hit the Jamraya Research Center in the outskirts of Damascus on Sunday two days after striking another target in the country.
Syrian media reports say the Sunday attack caused a number of casualties and widespread damage. Some reports say Israel used depleted uranium in its airstrike against the Jamraya Research Center. The facility was first hit in an Israeli air strike in January.
The Israeli attacks have drawn widespread international criticism and Iran, Egypt and China have strongly condemned the attacks. The Arab League has called on the United Nation Security Council to "act immediately to end Israeli attacks 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.
Turkey, Israel hold drills near Syrian border
Turkish tanks participate in a military exercise
Turkey and Israel have launched separate military maneuvers near Syria, which has been battling foreign-sponsored terrorism for more than two years.
The 10-day Yildirim-2013 Mobilization Exercises began on Monday in the southern province of Adana near the Syrian border and would wrap up on May 15, according to a statement issued by the Turkish General Staff.
The Turkish military says the drills aim to test its preparedness for battle and coordination with government ministries at a time of mobilization and war.
Meanwhile, Israeli troops participated in military exercises in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, near the border with Syria, on Monday.
A former director of Israel’s security service says the regime has to make full preparations for a possible war anytime. Israel has also deployed two Iron Dome missiles near the Lebanese border.
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.
Turkey and Israel have launched separate military maneuvers near Syria, which has been battling foreign-sponsored terrorism for more than two years.
The 10-day Yildirim-2013 Mobilization Exercises began on Monday in the southern province of Adana near the Syrian border and would wrap up on May 15, according to a statement issued by the Turkish General Staff.
The Turkish military says the drills aim to test its preparedness for battle and coordination with government ministries at a time of mobilization and war.
Meanwhile, Israeli troops participated in military exercises in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, near the border with Syria, on Monday.
A former director of Israel’s security service says the regime has to make full preparations for a possible war anytime. Israel has also deployed two Iron Dome missiles near the Lebanese border.
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.
Israel raids on Syria killed at least 42 soldiers
Israeli armored personnel carrier and Merkava tanks maneuver in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights on May 6
Israeli air raids on three military sites near Damascus killed at least 42 soldiers at the weekend, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in an updated toll on Monday.
"At least 42 soldiers were killed in the strikes, and another 100 who would usually be at the targeted sites remain unaccounted for," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.
The Britain-based monitoring group had earlier given a toll of at least 15 soldiers killed.
Syria says Israel targeted three military sites near Damascus early Sunday, with a diplomatic source in Beirut saying the raids targeted a military facility, weapons depot and anti-aircraft unit.
It has yet to give an official toll, but the foreign ministry said in a letter to the United Nations that the Israeli "aggression" caused deaths, injuries and serious destruction.
The attacks, which residents said sounded like an earthquake and lit up the night sky, were the second time in a week that Israel has reportedly targeted Syrian sites.
An senior Israeli source said the strikes targeted weapons destined for Lebanese group Hezbollah, which is allied with the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Elsewhere in the country on Monday, the Observatory said Syrian military planes bombed the districts of Qabun and Jubar in the capital.
They also targeted the rebel-held town of Qusayr in central Syria, which regime troops are trying to recapture with support from Hezbollah fighters.
In the north, fighting raged around Abu Dhrur airport in Idlib province and Minnigh airport in Aleppo province, where rebels have reportedly seized large swathes of territory.
The army took control of a string of villages in the south of Aleppo province, and eight soldiers, including two officers, were killed when rebels shot down a helicopter in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, the watchdog added.
Violence throughout Syria on Sunday killed at least 137 people, according to the organization, which relies on a network of activists, doctors and lawyers on the ground.
The dead included 47 rebels, 49 civilians and 41 soldiers, including the 15 killed in the Israeli attacks.
Israeli air raids on three military sites near Damascus killed at least 42 soldiers at the weekend, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in an updated toll on Monday.
"At least 42 soldiers were killed in the strikes, and another 100 who would usually be at the targeted sites remain unaccounted for," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.
The Britain-based monitoring group had earlier given a toll of at least 15 soldiers killed.
Syria says Israel targeted three military sites near Damascus early Sunday, with a diplomatic source in Beirut saying the raids targeted a military facility, weapons depot and anti-aircraft unit.
It has yet to give an official toll, but the foreign ministry said in a letter to the United Nations that the Israeli "aggression" caused deaths, injuries and serious destruction.
The attacks, which residents said sounded like an earthquake and lit up the night sky, were the second time in a week that Israel has reportedly targeted Syrian sites.
An senior Israeli source said the strikes targeted weapons destined for Lebanese group Hezbollah, which is allied with the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.
Elsewhere in the country on Monday, the Observatory said Syrian military planes bombed the districts of Qabun and Jubar in the capital.
They also targeted the rebel-held town of Qusayr in central Syria, which regime troops are trying to recapture with support from Hezbollah fighters.
In the north, fighting raged around Abu Dhrur airport in Idlib province and Minnigh airport in Aleppo province, where rebels have reportedly seized large swathes of territory.
The army took control of a string of villages in the south of Aleppo province, and eight soldiers, including two officers, were killed when rebels shot down a helicopter in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, the watchdog added.
Violence throughout Syria on Sunday killed at least 137 people, according to the organization, which relies on a network of activists, doctors and lawyers on the ground.
The dead included 47 rebels, 49 civilians and 41 soldiers, including the 15 killed in the Israeli attacks.