Unless Israel is stopped, reckless attacks, like in Qatar, will drag region into disaster, says National Defense Ministry spokesman
The claims that Israel is targeting Turkish Armed Forces' assets in Syria are unfounded and do not reflect the truth, Turkish National Defense Ministry sources said Thursday.
Meanwhile, speaking at a weekly press briefing in Ankara on Thursday, the ministry spokesman Zeki Akturk urged the international community to act against Israel, warning that unless Israel is stopped, reckless attacks, like in Qatar, will drag the region into disaster.
Israel’s attack in Qatar proves that Tel Aviv has made terrorism a state policy, feeds on conflict, and opposes peace, Akturk stated.
Türkiye stands "fully with Qatar against this attack, which is a blatant violation of its sovereignty," he added.
On Tuesday, Israel's military said it conducted a "precise strike targeting the senior leadership" of the Palestinian group Hamas in the Qatari capital Doha.
The strike has drawn a wave of condemnations, calling the attack a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law.
On Israel's actions in Gaza, Akturk said Israel's targeting of innocent people, homes, tents, and shelters at various points in Gaza City highlights the scale of the humanitarian tragedy it has caused.
- Israel's attacks on Syria, Qatar 'attack on the sovereign rights of both countries'
The ministry sources, for their part, said Israel's attacks on Syrian territory and Qatar "are contrary to international law and a clear attack on the sovereign rights of both countries."
"Such provocative actions escalate tensions in the region and negatively impact peace efforts. The Turkish Armed Forces continue all their activities in Syria within the framework of international law and the right of self-defense," they noted.
- Latest situation in Syria
On Syria, the sources said the Syrian government has taken into consideration requests to clear the region of terrorism, particularly the ISIS (Daesh) terror group, in a way that will directly contribute to the peace and prosperity of the people.
"In this regard, we are continuing our work in coordination with Syria," they stated.
Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on joint training and consultancy between Ankara and Damascus in August, efforts to restructure the Syrian Armed Forces have accelerated, the sources highlighted.
"In line with the Syrian government's requests, training, visits, consultancy, and technical support activities aimed at enhancing defense and security capacity have been initiated.
"These activities are being carried out in a coordinated and planned manner with the Syrian Defense Ministry," they further noted, stressing that the stability and security of Syria are critical to the peace of the region.
Türkiye is determined to maintain close cooperation with the Syrian government in this regard and to support the principle of "One State, One Army," the sources added.
