Syrian Foreign Ministry: Israeli Attack on Beit Jann is a 'War Crime'

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemned the "Israeli aggression on the town of Beit Jann in the Damascus countryside, which targeted innocent civilians."

In a statement today, Friday, it noted that "the Israeli army's forces, after failing to penetrate, targeted the town of Beit Jann with brutal and deliberate shelling, which constitutes a complete war crime, after committing a horrific massacre that resulted in the death of more than ten civilians, including women and children, and caused a large displacement due to the continued barbaric and deliberate shelling of the homes of the innocent."

Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shabani stated: "The continuation of these aggressions poses a serious threat to regional peace and security, and requires a firm international stance to stop these violations."

He added: "What happened in Beit Jann is a complete crime against our people. Syria affirms its full right to defend its land and people by all legitimate means in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter."

He called on "the United Nations, the Security Council, and the Arab and Islamic nations to bear their responsibilities regarding the repeated violations," considering that "international silence encourages the aggressor to commit more crimes against civilians."

He extended condolences to the families of the martyrs and wished a speedy recovery for the wounded, emphasizing that "the blood of the innocents in Beit Jann will increase our commitment to our full rights."

Thirteen people were killed in an Israeli strike that targeted the town of Beit Jann in the Damascus countryside early today, coinciding with the incursion of an Israeli military patrol into the town.