Druze Sheikh Condemns Israeli Attacks on Damascus

Kokcha News Agency: In the wake of recent political and on-the-ground developments in Suwayda province, Yusuf Jarbou, one of the three “Sheikh al-Aql” (spiritual leaders) of Syria’s Druze community, has spoken out against Israel’s attacks on Damascus and reaffirmed the Druze’s commitment to independence.

Jarbou, along with Hikmat al-Hijri and Hamoud al-Hinnawi, holds the highest religious authority within the Druze community in Syria.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Jarbou expressed his surprise and condemnation of Israel’s recent airstrikes on Damascus, stating, “Today, we were surprised by Israel’s actions, which are condemnable and shocking.” He firmly rejected Israel’s aggression against the Syrian government, emphasizing that the Druze community has not sought support from Israel or any other foreign entity.

Jarbou also reiterated the Druze’s opposition to the internationalization of the Suwayda issue or the Druze community itself, stating, “We are against the internationalization of the Suwayda issue or the Druze community.” He highlighted the recent agreement with the Syrian government as a continuation of past understandings and expressed hope that this agreement, with the cooperation of the people of Suwayda and the government, could provide a solution to the current crisis.

The Druze leader denied any external pressure to reach an agreement with the Damascus government, asserting, “No pressure has been exerted on us to reach an agreement.” He concluded by reaffirming the Druze community’s steadfast opposition to seeking foreign support or international intervention, stating, “We remain committed to rejecting internationalization or seeking foreign support, as this path offers no future or hope.”