ISTANBUL 

France on Wednesday voiced support for Syrian transitional authorities and called for a return to dialogue over recent Israeli strikes on the region.

"France supports the efforts of the Syrian transitional authorities and the leaders of the Suwayda region to return to dialogue, and calls for a lasting agreement to strengthen Syria’s unity, stability, and sovereignty, as well as the security of all Syrians," said a Foreign Ministry statement.

It expressed "deep concern" over the "serious developments" currently unfolding in Syria’s southern Suwayda region, where Israel has launched new airstrikes, and called for the immediate cessation of hostilities.

"The abuses targeting civilians, which France firmly condemns, must stop. The ceasefire announced yesterday morning by the Defense Minister of the Syrian transitional authorities must be respected by all parties," the statement added.

Israel renewed its airstrikes in Suwayda on Wednesday, in the latest violation of the country’s sovereignty. Tel Aviv claims that the attacks aim to protect the Druze community in Syria.

The attacks came as the Syrian army deployed forces in the province to restore security and protect civilians and their property, following clashes between armed Druze and Bedouin groups that left at least 30 people dead.