Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a forceful condemnation of Israel’s recent military actions in Syria, accusing Tel Aviv of exploiting the Druze minority as a pretext to expand its influence and destabilize the region.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Erdogan declared: “We did not allow Syria to be fragmented yesterday, we do not allow it today, and we will not allow it tomorrow,” reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity and multicultural structure.

The remarks follow Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, including hits on the Defense Ministry, General Staff Headquarters, and areas near the presidential compound, which Israel claims were launched to protect Druze communities in Al-Suwayda, where clashes between Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes have left dozens dead.

Erdogan described Israel as a “lawless, arrogant, and bloodthirsty terrorist state” and warned that its actions threaten not only Syria but the entire region’s stability.

Türkiye’s presidency confirmed that Erdogan spoke with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, expressing support for Damascus and welcoming a ceasefire agreement reached in Sweida. Sharaa thanked Türkiye for backing Syria’s sovereignty and unity.

In a joint statement issued with 10 Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, Türkiye condemned foreign interference in Syria and called for full implementation of the ceasefire, protection of civilians, and restoration of government authority across Sweida.

Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye’s foreign policy is rooted in peace and diplomacy, stating: “We bear no ill will toward anyone… we only want peace.” He warned that those relying on oppression and military aggression “will sooner or later realize they have made a major miscalculation”.

The Syrian government has denounced Israel’s strikes as a violation of sovereignty, and officials say the attacks have hindered efforts to locate and destroy chemical weapons stockpiles, delaying inspections by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Israel’s intervention has drawn criticism from China, which joined calls for restraint and respect for Syria’s sovereignty, and from Qatar, which requested an emergency OPCW meeting to address the impact of the strikes on Syria’s disarmament obligations.

Türkiye continues to monitor developments closely and maintains diplomatic communication with regional actors. Erdogan reiterated that a stable Syria is essential for regional peace, warning that “otherwise, everyone will bear the burden of this.”

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