Since Monday, a series of Israeli strikes on Syria were launched targeting military sites in Damascus and Suwayda.
These strikes caused huge damage and injured and killed innocent civilians in many areas.
The world condemned the Israeli strikes on Syria and showed condolences with the Syrians.
But why did Israel targeted the heart of Damascus now?
Why is Israel conducting airstrikes on Syrian territory?
Israel states that its recent military operations aim to protect the Druze minority in Syria’s southern Suwayda province, which has witnessed intense clashes between government forces and local groups.
Israeli authorities also emphasize their refusal to tolerate any Syrian military presence near Israel’s borders, especially following recent regime deployments in Suwayda.
Which locations were targeted in the Israeli strikes on Syria?
- Presidential Palace in Damascus: Israel reported striking a military target near the palace.
Witnesses described hearing explosions and seeing smoke rise from the area. - General Staff Headquarters: Syrian state media reported damage to a four-story wing of the building following Israeli raids.
One person was killed and 18 others injured, according to Syria’s Health Ministry. - Defense Ministry vicinity: TV footage captured soldiers urgently evacuating nearby buildings after the strikes.
Read also: Donald Trump Vows “Very Friendly” Fight Against China – 2025 Trade War with a Smile
Did the Israeli airstrikes affect Suwayda directly?
Yes. The Israeli military launched several operations in Suwayda, including:
- A drone strike targeting the city, which is predominantly Druze.
- Attacks on regime vehicles.
- Shelling of government tanks near the outskirts of Suwayda.
The region hosts Syria’s largest Druze population—a religious minority also found in Lebanon and Israel.
“Painful” Israeli Strikes on Syria
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Damascus to withdraw its troops from Suwayda, threatening “painful strikes” if they remain.
He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protecting the Druze and enforcing a “disarmament policy” in southern Syria.
How did Arab Countries Respond to the Israeli Strikes on Syria?
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the Israeli strikes on Syria, calling them an unjustified act of aggression.
it urged the UN Security Council to take a firm stance and activate international accountability mechanisms.
Qatar
Qatar described the attacks as a blatant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and a serious breach of international law.
It called on the international community to take decisive action to deter Israel’s “aggressive policies”.
United Arab Emirates
UAE has issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli strikes on Syria, aligning with other GCC members in denouncing the escalation.
Jordan
Jordan labeled the Israeli bombing as a flagrant violation of international law, warning it would fuel further conflict.
Kuwait
Kuwait reaffirmed its support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and called for an end to Israel’s systematic violations.
Algeria
Algeria warned of the gravity of Israel’s repeated aggressions, stressing that they destabilize regional security.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The GCC condemned the Israeli strikes on Syria in the strongest terms, calling them a flagrant violation and a serious threat to regional stability.
Egypt
Egypt joined other Arab nations in condemning the attacks, emphasizing the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty.
Lebanon
While not explicitly quoted in the sources, Lebanese Druze leaders have historically voiced concern over Israeli involvement in sectarian dynamics, and tensions remain high.
What broader context surrounds these Israeli strikes?
Even after limited contact with Syria’s transitional government—formed following Bashar al-Assad’s ousting—Israel remains cautious.
Since Assad’s fall in December, Israel has conducted hundreds of raids on Syrian military sites, citing security risks and arms transfers.
It also reinforced its presence in the demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights and expanded outreach to Druze communities in both Syria and Israel.
In Israel, about 153,000 Druze hold citizenship and—unlike other Arab citizens—are subject to mandatory military service.
Ahmed al-Sharaa Statement After the Israeli Strikes on Syria
In his first televised statement after the powerful Israeli airstrikes on Damascus on Wednesday, al-Sharaa addressed Druze citizens, saying, “We reject any attempt to drag you into hands of an external party.”
“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.
He added that the Syrian people are not afraid of war and are ready to fight if their dignity is threatened.
He also hailed US, Arab, and Turkish mediation for saving the region from an “unknown fate,” while criticizing Israel for targeting civilian and government facilities.
“The Israeli entity resorted to a wide-scale targeting of civilian and government facilities,” he said, adding this led to a “significant complication of the situation and pushed matters to a large-scale escalation, except for the effective intervention of American, Arab, and Turkish mediation, which saved the region from an unknown fate.”
Source: Al-Arabiya
