China Calls On Syria, Israel To Refrain From Escalation After Israeli Airstrikes -Ministry

Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published January 21, 2019 | 03:45 PM

China calls on Israel and Syria to refrain from further escalation of tensions after the recent Israeli airstrikes on the Syrian territory, Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday

BEIJING (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st January, 2019) China calls on Israel and Syria to refrain from further escalation of tensions after the recent Israeli airstrikes on the Syrian territory, Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Monday.

Last night, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had hit Iranian military facilities based in Syria, including weapons depots in the area of Damascus International Airport, an intelligence center and a training camp, in response to a rocket strike at the Golan Heights.

"We paid attention to the relevant reports and, as far as you know, we have always believed that it is necessary to respect and protect the independence and sovereignty of Syria. All the parties must refrain from any activities that could result in escalation of tensions," Hua said at a press briefing.

She added that both parties must play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

According to the IDF, the strike against the Israeli-controlled part of the Golan Heights was launched by the Iranian Quds, a branch of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and the rocket was eventually intercepted by Israel.

The IDF said that Israel warned Damascus against shooting down its missiles, which were targeting the Quds' military facilities, but dozens of Syrian surface-to-air missiles were launched to intercept the Israeli missiles anyway. As a result, Israel claims to have hit two air defense systems operated by Syria with its missiles. According to the Russian National Defense Management Center, the Israeli airstrikes caused damage to Damascus international airport and killed four Syrian servicemen.

Israel has been opposing Iran's military presence in Syria, fearing Tehran might gain increased influence in the region.