Israeli Airstrikes Intensify in Syria Amid Regional and International Condemnation
Recent airstrikes reportedly resulted in civilian casualties and prompted calls for international intervention from the Syrian government.
Israel has intensified its aerial bombardments in Syria, asserting that the strikes serve as a warning to the Damascus government.
Reports indicate that at least nine civilians were killed and 23 others injured due to Israeli shelling in the Daraa province of southern Syria.
The Syrian government called on the international community to exert pressure on Israel to cease its attacks and prevent further violations of the country's sovereignty.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that the latest wave of Israeli strikes targeted a forest area near the town of Nawa and the village of Tasil in western Daraa.
Following these attacks, there was a noted surge in public anger and mobilization in response to what was considered a significant escalation by Israeli forces.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant characterized the airstrikes as a clear message and a preemptive warning, emphasizing that Israel would not tolerate any threats to its national security.
He stated that Israeli forces would continue to operate within the demilitarized zones in Syria and would strike against any perceived threats, warning the Syrian government that it would face serious consequences if it permitted hostile forces into the country.
This warning comes amid reports of Turkey establishing military bases within Syrian territory.
According to the Israeli military, the latest operations targeted remaining military capabilities at two air bases in Hama and Homs provinces, as well as infrastructure in the vicinity of Damascus.
Syrian officials and media reported attacks on a scientific research facility in Damascus, confirming significant damage.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli attacks, labeling them as an unjustified escalation and a deliberate attempt to destabilize Syria and extend the suffering of its people.
The ministry urged the international community to hold Israel accountable and to abide by international law.
In a detailed statement, the Syrian government claimed that in just 30 minutes, Israel had conducted strikes on five different locations, resulting in near-total destruction of the Hama military airport and injuries to numerous civilians and military personnel.
A Syrian military source revealed that more than ten airstrikes targeted the airport, destroying runways, a control tower, weapon depots, and aircraft hangars.
This source noted that the comprehensive destruction of the Hama air base was intended to prevent its future use, characterizing the strikes as a systematic effort to dismantle key military capacities nationwide.
United Nations officials have condemned the Israeli military escalation, warning that such actions contribute to instability in Syria at a critical juncture.
UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen stated that these acts undermine efforts to foster a peaceful and stable environment in Syria and the region.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong condemnation of the Israeli airstrikes, emphasizing the necessity for the international community, particularly the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to take serious and firm action against ongoing Israeli violations in Syria, calling for mechanisms to hold Israel accountable.
Similarly, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the recent Israeli attacks, stating the kingdom's unequivocal rejection and strong denunciation of Israeli incursions into Syrian territory.
The ministry reiterated Jordan's solidarity with Syria regarding its security and sovereignty and called for the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities to compel Israel to halt its aggressions.
Egypt also condemned the Israeli airstrikes vehemently, urging the international community to assume its responsibilities concerning repeated Israeli violations and to ensure Israel's compliance with the 1974 disengagement agreement.