Press Slams Egyptian, Saudi Approach to Gaza

Syria Media Report, 08-Jan-09

Thursday, 8 January, 2009

IWPR

Institute for War & Peace Reporting

Press Slams Egyptian, Saudi Approach to Gaza

Syria Media Report, 08-Jan-09

The Israeli military offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip has been the top story in the Syrian media since the conflict began on December 19. Numerous articles have accused Egypt and Saudi Arabia for failing to do more to aid Palestinian residents, and of adopting policies favoured by Israel and the United States.

On December 27, the pro-government website Sham Press described Saudi leaders as members of a “gang” who “condemn the victim and acquit the murderer”, and went on to accuse Egyptian leaders of acquiescing to the military intervention.

In an article for another pro-government website, Syria Tomorrow, George Hagog also condemned the Saudis and Egyptians for apparently giving Israel carte blanche to conduct military operations.

On December 29, Al-Watan newspaper said that as a result of the conflict, Syria had suspended its indirect talks with Israel.

The newspaper also raised concerns that the offensive in Gaza would eventually widen into a renewed conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Thousands of people attended anti-Israel rallies throughout Syria on December 31, according to the Syria News website.

The Kurdish Democratic Progressive Party released a statement on December 29 calling for an immediate end to the military action, while the Kurdish Freedom Party urged the international community to intervene to prevent more civilian deaths.

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