Syrian Opposition Supporters Hoist Flags at Embassies Abroad

A man photographs the opposition's Syrian flag, which is also displayed on the building in Psychiko, Greece, 08 December 2024. (EPA)
A man photographs the opposition's Syrian flag, which is also displayed on the building in Psychiko, Greece, 08 December 2024. (EPA)
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Syrian Opposition Supporters Hoist Flags at Embassies Abroad

A man photographs the opposition's Syrian flag, which is also displayed on the building in Psychiko, Greece, 08 December 2024. (EPA)
A man photographs the opposition's Syrian flag, which is also displayed on the building in Psychiko, Greece, 08 December 2024. (EPA)

Supporters of opposition forces who ousted President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday have entered some Syrian embassies abroad to hoist their flag, while fighters also entered the Italian envoy's residence in Damascus.

Following are incidents at several embassies:

SPAIN

About 150 people cheered and shouted "Freedom!" as a man at the Syrian embassy in Madrid threw the Assad government's flag to the ground and hoisted the black, green and white flag with three stars used by the opposition.

"This is a memorable day for the whole Syrian people. The 8th of December 2024. We are going to create a free country for all the Syrian people," Bilal Kutaini, 32, a dentist, said outside the embassy.

GREECE

Supporters of the opposition entered the Syrian embassy in Athens and hoisted their flag from the rooftop. Police entered and detained four people, but left the flag flying.

"Our joy is indescribable, 55 years of horrible dictatorship has finally ended," said Alompeint Marouf, 59, among people celebrating outside.

Protesters also tore down Assad’s portrait in the embassy, Greek media said.

ITALY

Opposition fighters entered the residence of Italy's ambassador in Damascus to search for pro-Assad troops or relevant documents and fired a few shots against a wall, but did not harm him or security staff, Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said.

"They took away only three cars and that was it," he said.

SERBIA

Several supporters of the Syrian opposition laughed and hugged each other in front of the embassy in the capital Belgrade and raised the revolution flag on a pole in the courtyard.

SWEDEN

At the Syrian embassy in Stockholm, the three-starred "Syrian revolution flag" was raised, broadcaster TV4 said.

SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

Syria's Foreign Ministry said its diplomatic missions abroad will serve all citizens in a "new page" of national history that would unite people without one opinion dominating.

INDONESIA

The Indonesian embassy in Damascus said it had taken steps to ensure the safety of its citizens, including preparing for potential evacuation.

HUNGARY

Hungary's embassy in Damascus is temporarily closed with citizens being attended by its mission in Beirut, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said.



Italy’s Meloni Urges Netanyahu to Respect International Law in Gaza

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends the Italy-Greece summit at Villa Pamphili in Rome, Italy, 12 May 2025. (EPA)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends the Italy-Greece summit at Villa Pamphili in Rome, Italy, 12 May 2025. (EPA)
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Italy’s Meloni Urges Netanyahu to Respect International Law in Gaza

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends the Italy-Greece summit at Villa Pamphili in Rome, Italy, 12 May 2025. (EPA)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends the Italy-Greece summit at Villa Pamphili in Rome, Italy, 12 May 2025. (EPA)

Israel must respect international law in its military operation in Gaza, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Wednesday, calling the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave increasingly "dramatic and unjustifiable".

Israel invaded Gaza after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, and has recently announced plans for an expanded offensive to defeat Hamas.

"Over the past months I have spoken with Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu on several occasions, and the conversations have often been difficult," Meloni told a question time session in the Italian lower house of parliament.

More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to local health authorities. The military campaign has left Gaza on the brink of famine, aid groups and international agencies say.

"I have always recalled the urgency of finding a way to end the hostilities and respect international law and international humanitarian law. A request that I renew today," Meloni said.

Israeli strikes intensified this week, killing dozens in northern Gaza, locals have said.

French President Emmanuel Macron this week also criticized Netanyahu's policy in Gaza, calling it shameful. The Israeli leader struck back accusing Macron of siding with Hamas.

Meloni's government has been one of Israel's most vocal supporters within Europe, but there has been growing unease within parts of her coalition over Israel's relentless and long-running military campaign.