Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) issued a statement calling for the end of sectarian violence in Syria after sectarian violence surged near Israel, which prompted intervention from the Israelis.
CNN provides additional context, as over the last several months, clashes between Syria's Druze and Bedouin communities have left hundreds dead. The new Syrian government under Ahmed al-Shaara has sent troops to intervene and has declared a ceasefire, but Sunni jihadists loyal to al-Shaara continue attacking Druze citizens.
Israel, claiming a commitment to protecting the Druze in the area, launched several airstrikes in the Golan Heights area in response to reports of violence. However, the United States has negotiated further ceasefires.
Does Texas have a constitutional right to defy Supreme Court on protecting its border?
"The barbaric violence against the Druze community in Syria must end immediately," said Rep. Hamadeh in his statement, adding, "Under the bold leadership of President Donald J. Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Ambassador Barrack, the United States took bold steps to ease sanctions and extend goodwill to the Syrian government and its people in the hope of seeing real reforms."
Rep. Hamadeh further called on al-Shaara to live up to his promise of adequately representing all peoples in Syria, saying, "Now is the time for the Syrian government to turn their words into real actions, if they want to maintain legitimacy: restore order, protect all of its citizens, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to peace and long-term stability."
"The only way is to build a new Syria that is reflective of its ethnic and religious mosaic," the Arizona Congressman continued. "The United States wants Syria to succeed, but bloodshed, senseless violence, and division is not the path forward."
In May, Hamadeh praised President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria, saying, "President Trump's bold decision to lift sanctions on Syria marks a historic step toward advancing peace through strength in the Middle East."
"By working with key partners like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, removing sanctions lays crucial groundwork for a broader regional realignment—one that builds on the promise of the Abraham Accords and puts American leadership back at the center of global diplomacy," Hamadeh concluded.
