Syria’s president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, delivered a forceful address at the Doha Forum on Saturday, accusing Israel of attempting to spread regional instability as a way to divert attention from the ongoing war in Gaza.
Speaking before an international audience of diplomats and policymakers, Sharaa claimed Israel is deliberately expanding tensions beyond Gaza in order to reshape public perception of the conflict. He argued that the military campaign has failed to meet its stated objectives, including dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages. According to Sharaa, the widening scope of confrontation is meant to create an image of strategic momentum where none exists.
He also rejected what he described as efforts to shift blame across borders, stating that the conflict’s roots remain unresolved within Gaza itself. “Escalation beyond its original borders does not erase what is happening on the ground,” he said.
Turning to Syria’s internal future, Sharaa emphasized that his interim administration is committed to rebuilding national unity after more than a decade of civil war. He stated that Syria must no longer serve as a battleground for regional rivalries and pledged that his government seeks stability over confrontation.
“We want a Syria defined by reconciliation, not conflict,” Sharaa told the audience, adding that the Syrian people deserve peace after years of violence.
Sharaa leads Syria’s internationally recognized interim government operating in exile with support from Qatar. His administration remains in opposition to the government of President Bashar al-Assad, which continues to control most of the country.
Political analysts view Sharaa’s appearance at the forum as a strategic effort to elevate the international profile of the opposition leadership while reinforcing its diplomatic legitimacy. His remarks also reflect growing concern among regional actors that Israel’s conflict with Gaza could further destabilize neighboring countries.
The speech marks one of Sharaa’s most prominent international engagements this year and highlights the continued geopolitical ripple effects of the Gaza war across the Middle East.
