A statement issued by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday strongly condemned what it described as an “Israeli military incursion” in rural Damascus. Recently, both sides held talks to ease the conflict in southern Syria. The statement said, “This serious escalation constitutes a direct threat to regional peace and security and once again embodies the aggressive approach adopted by the occupation authorities (Israel).” It added, “The Ministry renews its call to the United Nations and the Security Council to assume their legal and moral responsibilities and take urgent and effective measures to deter the occupation authorities from their aggressive practices and ensure their accountability according to international law.”