Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has sharply criticized Israel, accusing it of exporting regional crises to distract from what he described as horrifying massacres in Gaza. Speaking at the Doha Forum in Qatar, Sharaa claimed Israel justifies its actions under the guise of security concerns, while subjecting Syria to repeated airstrikes and incursions. He called for Israel to withdraw from the Golan territories and warned against altering existing agreements, which he said could destabilize the region further.

Sharaa also addressed internal issues, acknowledging atrocities against minorities in the Sweida region and pledging accountability under the rule of law. The violence in Sweida and other areas has resulted in thousands of deaths, with government forces and their allies implicated in sectarian attacks. International voices, including US President Donald Trump, have urged dialogue and stability, emphasizing the importance of Syria's peaceful evolution under its new leadership.