Egypt 'categorically rejects' Israeli attacks on Syrian territory

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has declared his country's categorical rejection of any Israeli attacks targeting Syrian territory, during a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani on the sidelines of the Doha Forum. According to an Egyptian Foreign Ministry statement, Abdelatty reaffirmed Cairo's consistent position on safeguarding Syria's unity and territorial integrity and stressed the importance of supporting national institutions to protect stability and Syrian people's rights.

Context of Israeli Actions and Syrian Sovereignty

The diplomatic condemnation comes amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes and ground incursions into Syria, which have resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of Syrian military assets. Abdelatty noted that the Syrian government poses no threat to Israel, yet such attacks continue. He warned against exploiting regional conditions to justify interventions that undermine Syrian sovereignty, a clear reference to Israel's expanded control in the Golan Heights and southern Syria following the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024.

Egypt's Diplomatic Outreach and Regional Role

The Egyptian minister stated that Cairo is actively engaging with regional and international actors to emphasize the necessity of respecting Syria's sovereignty and rejecting any threats to its security. This position aligns with Egypt's broader regional policy of advocating for state sovereignty and opposing external military interventions, while also seeking to position itself as a stabilizing mediator in post-conflict Syria.

Forum Conclusion and Broader Implications

The meeting occurred as the 23rd Doha Forum concluded on Sunday, having drawn over 6,000 participants from more than 150 countries. Egypt's firm stance signals its intent to play an assertive diplomatic role in Syria's stabilization and reconstruction, advocating for a regional order based on the inviolability of state borders and the reinforcement of national governance structures against external military pressure.