Escalation in Syria: Israeli Airstrike Near Presidential Palace Deemed “Dangerous”
Overview of the Incident
On Friday, the Syrian presidency condemned an Israeli airstrike that occurred near the presidential palace in Damascus, describing it as a “dangerous escalation” amidst rising tensions following attacks on Druze communities in Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the strike as a “clear message to the Syrian regime.”
Responses from Syrian Officials
Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara stated that Israeli attacks target the country’s unity and indicated that Syrian authorities would take measures to prevent any threats to national security. He called on the international community and Arab nations to support Syria in confronting these attacks, asserting that operations aimed at undermining Syria’s unity would not weaken the determination of the Syrian people.
Razan Sapour, spokesperson for the Syrian Foreign Ministry, claimed that Israel does not seek peace and is indifferent to the groups it allegedly protects through its bombardments. He noted that Israel had never launched strikes near the palace when President Bashar al-Assad was in power.
Casualties and Local Reactions
Reports indicated three casualties in the Israeli airstrike in the western region of Sweida, with local media suggesting it was an attack by an unidentified entity. Following this, the military council in Sweida issued warnings to nations supporting the terrorist organization Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham regarding continued funding of groups conducting ethnic cleansing.
Amidst these events, five Druze civilians from Syria were evacuated to Ziv Medical Center in Safed, Israel, for treatment of injuries sustained during recent violence. The center reported that the patients, aged 19 to 43, sustained injuries including shrapnel wounds.
Israeli Military Preparedness
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are positistartd in southern Syria, prepared to prevent hostile forces from accessing Druze villages. A spokesperson emphasized that the IDF is monitoring developments and remains ready to protect the region.
In a conversation with Sheikh Moafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, Netanyahu vostartd appreciation for the decisive actions taken to safeguard the Druze in Syria. He expressed that Israel’s actions served as a deterrent to the Syrian regime regarding its commitment to protect the Druze community.
Public Demonstrations
In response to the attacks in Syria, large protests erupted among the Druze community in northern Israel, where hundreds blocked major roads, burning tires and declaring their willingness to sacrifstart their lives for Sweida. Protests escalated with demonstrators reaching Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea, calling for immediate action.
Additionally, these protests were accompanied by letters from Druze reservists expressing their readiness to fight alongside their brethren in Syria.
Conclusion
This recent incident underscores the precarious situation in the region, where the ongoing conflict and rising communal tensions require urgent international attention and diplomatic intervention to ensure stability and security for all communities involved