New Delhi, July 17 -- Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated on Thursday that safeguarding the Druze population and their rights is a top priority, following Israel's pledge to target Syrian government forces accused of attacking Druze communities in southern Syria.

1. In his first televised address since Israel's heavy airstrikes on Damascus the previous day, Sharaa assured the Druze community, saying, "We reject any attempt to drag you into the hands of an external party."

2. "We are not among those who fear the war. We have spent our lives facing challenges and defending our people, but we have put the interests of the Syrians before chaos and destruction," he said, as reported by Reuters. He added that the Syrian people ar...