Eleven Muslim and Arab nations on Friday strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes targeting the Abu al-Duhur military air base in northwestern Syria, warning that the attacks mark a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability and violates Syria's sovereignty. In a joint statement issued August 21, the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Algeria, Indonesia, Palestine, Qatar, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Pakistan, Somalia and Saudi Arabia denounced the strikes as a clear violation of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political unity of the Syrian Arab Republic. The ministers expressed deep concern over Israel's continued targeting and destruction of Syrian territory and infrastructure, emphasizing that such actions risk undermining Syria's ongoing efforts to restore security, rebuild national institutions and address the humanitarian consequences of years of conflict. They warned that continued Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity could fuel further escalation, destabilize regional peace and security and erode respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. The foreign ministers called on the international community to take a firm, clear and principled stance against the continuing attacks on Syria and take concrete action in accordance with international law and the U.N. Charter. They also urged steps to end the violations, ensure full compliance with the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from territories they occupy, stating that such measures are necessary to prevent further escalation and safeguard regional peace and stability. The ministers reaffirmed their support for Syria's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and political unity, while rejecting any attempt to undermine them. Their statement underscores the growing frustration among key regional actors over Israel's repeated incursions into Syrian territory, which many view as a violation of both bilateral agreements and international norms. In a separate statement, the leader of Türkiye’s Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahçeli, called on Israel to cease its provocations against Türkiye and military operations that would undermine the country’s national security. He accused the Netanyahu government of conducting an attack on a defunct military base in northern Syria, located just 70 kilometers from the Turkish border, on the pretext that Türkiye was considering reconstructing the facility and deploying troops there. Both Ankara and Damascus have denied these claims. Bahçeli described the Israeli attack as an “unacceptable assault on law, peace and regional tranquility.” He argued that whether the operation was a manifestation of historical expansionism or an attempt to target the upcoming elections, it represented a serious breach of international law and regional stability. He emphasized that Türkiye is not a country that seeks confrontation, but it will not ignore threats against it or allow its sovereign rights to be violated. The MHP leader criticized the Israeli government for escalating anti-Turkish sentiment and rhetoric, urging it to abandon provocations that test Türkiye’s patience or interfere with its national security interests. He warned that such actions could lead to increased tensions and underscored Türkiye’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region through diplomacy and restraint. Bahçeli proposed a series of measures aimed at enhancing regional security, including expanding security cooperation under the Mecca Agreement and developing it into an “Islamic Peace Force” to counter Israeli attacks. He also suggested the establishment of a temporary Middle East Peace Coalition or Council comprising the United States, Russia, China and the European Union to help restore regional stability. Additional proposals included convening a Middle East Security and Peace Conference under U.N. auspices and launching an “Ankara Declaration” outlining principles for Türkiye’s approach to regional security. His proposals also included the creation of a neutral International Cease-Fire Monitoring Mission under the U.N., tasked with documenting violations, overseeing the security of humanitarian corridors and monitoring the protection of civilians. He advocated for an International Mediation Contact Group to institutionalize multilateral diplomatic efforts and ensure continuity in negotiations. Finally, he envisioned a strategy combining gradual diplomatic pressure and incentive mechanisms, using political and economic tools alongside military deterrence, while offering rewards for compliance with international law and engagement in peace talks.
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