Conflict with Israel is not in Syria interests - al-Sharaa

A conflict with Israel is not in Damascus’ interests as it wants to reach an agreement on security measures with the Jewish state, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said in an interview with Al Jazeera.

"We fear a military escalation in the region and are trying to avoid confrontation with Israel. Damascus, with the assistance from friendly countries, is working to reach a security agreement with Israel," al-Sharaa said.

According to the Syrian president, such an agreement, if approved by the sides, will pave the way to a comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

"However, Syria will not make any concession regarding its unalienable rights to its Golan Heights that have been occupied since 1967," al-Sharaa said.