Syria closes key border crossing after Israeli threat
Damascus, April 5
Syrian authorities announced that a key border crossing with Lebanon will be temporarily closed due to security concerns following Israeli warnings of possible strikes on the area.
The General Authority for Land and Sea Borders and Crossings on Saturday (local time) said the Jdeidet Yabous crossing, opposite Lebanon's Masnaa crossing, is designated solely for civilian use, not for any military purposes.
"There are no armed groups or militias present at the crossing, and it is not used for any activity outside civilian and legal frameworks," the authority said in a statement.
Traffic would resume once the situation stabilises, it said.
The announcement came after the Israeli military said it intended to target the road leading to the Masnaa crossing, a major transit point along the Syrian-Lebanese border, alleging that Hezbollah uses the route for military actions, reports Xinhua news agency.
Tensions have remained high along the border amid ongoing regional hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Meanwhile, earlier on March 31, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa said that Syria will stay out of any conflict unless it is directly targeted, emphasising the country's focus on recovery after years of war.
"No one is ready to be involved in war, and we will not be in it, unless we are subject to aggression and we have no diplomatic solution," he said at an event hosted by think tank Chatham House in London.
Al-Sharaa said the government's priorities remain stabilising the economy, rebuilding infrastructure, and facilitating the return of displaced citizens.
"We had enough war. We paid a large bill. We are not ready for another war experience," he said. "Those who have been in war know the value of peace."
— IANS
Reader Comments
The Syrian President's statement about focusing on recovery and not wanting another war is heartbreaking. After so many years of conflict, the people just want peace and stability to rebuild their lives and country. It's a lesson for the whole world.
From an Indian perspective, we understand the pain of border tensions all too well. It's always the civilians who suffer the most. The closure will hurt the local economy on both sides. The international community needs to push harder for diplomatic solutions, not threats.
While I understand Syria's need to protect its citizens, I have to respectfully question the claim that the crossing is "solely for civilian use." In such a volatile region with known militant activity, complete transparency is rarely the case. Still, hope for a peaceful resolution.
"We had enough war. We paid a large bill." Powerful words. It's a stark reminder of the real cost of conflict that goes beyond geopolitics. India has always advocated for dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes. This is the only way forward.
The regional instability involving US, Israel, and Iran is creating a domino effect. Lebanon and Syria don't need more trouble. The focus should be on humanitarian aid and reconstruction, as the Syrian president said. The world's attention seems elsewhere though.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.