Syria will not serve as a launching pad for attacks against Israel, said Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, the leader of the armed factions that have taken control in Damascus. He made the remarks during an interview with The Times.
According to al-Sharaa, who leads the group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly known as Jabhat al-Nusra, banned in Russia), Israel must withdraw from territories in western Syria that it occupied during the opposition’s advance on Damascus.
“Israel justified its presence by citing Hezbollah and Iranian militia activities, but that is no longer relevant,” Al-Sharaa said. “We remain committed to the 1974 disengagement agreement and are ready to welcome back UN observers. We do not seek conflict with Israel or anyone else, and we will not allow Syria to be used as a staging ground for attacks. Syrians need peace, the strikes must stop, and Israel must withdraw to its previous positions,” he added.
The Times noted that while al-Sharaa did not directly address Russian-Syrian relations, his aide mentioned ongoing negotiations regarding the retention of Russian military bases in Syria.
Lifting Sanctions
The leader of the armed group also called for lifting the sanctions imposed on Syria and creating conditions for the return of displaced citizens.
“Syria holds immense geostrategic significance. Western countries must lift all restrictions, which have been imposed on both the oppressor and the oppressed. The oppressor is no longer in power. This is non-negotiable,” Al-Julani stated, adding that he also expects Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to be removed from the list of terrorist organizations maintained by several nations.
Al-Sharaa described the political transition ahead for Syria as a “long process.” Regarding the possible implementation of Sharia law, he asserted that “Syria will not infringe on personal freedoms,” while noting that the new authorities would take Islamic traditions into account.
The Situation in Syria
In late November, armed opposition groups launched a large-scale offensive against Syrian army positions. By December 8, they had entered Damascus, prompting government forces to withdraw from the city. Bashar al-Assad stepped down as Syria's president and left the country following internal negotiations, giving orders for a peaceful transfer of power.
On December 10, Mohammed al-Bashir, who has led the opposition's Salvation Government in Idlib province since January 2024, announced his appointment as the head of Syria’s transitional government. The transitional period is set to last until March 1, 2025.
Meanwhile, on December 8, Israeli forces took control of the Syrian side of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights without facing resistance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria was no longer valid, as Syrian forces had vacated the area following the change of power in Damascus.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Iyad Al Ghafari/Pixabay
Based on TASS materials