"It is time for all Syrians to say 'Enough fighting, enough incitement.'"

On December 22, the attacks carried out by factions affiliated with the Syrian Transitional Government on the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods targeted the Sheikh Maarouf al-Karkhi Mosque in Sheikh Maqsoud.

Sheikh Ali al-Hassen, the co-chair of the Religious Council in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafiyeh neighborhoods, explained that the attack launched by these factions had exacerbated the already precarious situation of insecurity and instability.

He noted that the recent attacks targeted civilian homes and infrastructure, including places of worship, with several mosques damaged by shelling or stray bullets, most notably the Sheikh Maarouf al-Karkhi Mosque. He stated, "This constitutes a serious violation and increases the suffering of residents who are seeking reassurance and peace."

Sheikh al-Hassen questioned the motives behind the continued clashes at a time when dialogue should have replaced weapons. He emphasized that taking up arms against Syrians is no longer acceptable and that the Syrian people have rejected the logic of violence and fighting.

He also expressed concern about the escalating "war of words" on social media, which includes hate speech and systematic sectarian incitement, calling on the Transitional Government in Syria to assume its legal and moral responsibilities in putting an end to this inflammatory speech and holding its promoters accountable.

Sheikh al-Hassen criticized the emergence of sectarian speech, even via some official media outlets, warning of the danger this approach to civil peace and the country's future. He asked, "Where will all this fighting and suffering lead us?"

Sheikh Ali al-Hassen emphasized that Syria is a homeland for all Syrians, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or sectarian affiliations. He called for overcoming the pain of the past and turning the page on its dark chapter, urging joint efforts to build a new Syria based on affection, tolerance, and co-existence. He stressed that the time has come for all Syrians to say, "Enough fighting, enough incitement."

J.J

ANHA