International condemnation is mounting following Israeli air strikes in Syria’s capital, Damascus, and the southern province of Sweida. In response, the United Nations Security Council is set to convene an emergency meeting at Syria’s request.
On Wednesday, Israel launched raids targeting Syrian military positions amid escalating violence involving Druze militias, Bedouin fighters, and Syrian government forces in southern Syria.
Syria’s foreign affairs authorities condemned the attacks, calling them a “blatant violation” of national sovereignty and international law. They reported that several civilians, including women and children, were injured, and significant material damage occurred.
“Syria holds Israel fully responsible for this dangerous escalation,” the statement read, adding that Syria reserves the right to defend itself by all means permitted under international law. The Syrian government urged the UN and the international community to condemn the Israeli strikes and take urgent measures to stop these violations.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the situation. His spokesperson stated, “The Secretary-General condemns the recent air strikes in Syria and urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation.”
Israel stated that the attacks were intended to “prevent the Syrian regime from harming” the Druze community, highlighting “deep fraternal ties” with Druze citizens in Israel and their connections to the Druze in Syria.
The conflict in Sweida intensified after reports of an assault on a young Druze man by armed members of a Bedouin tribe. This incident led to retaliatory actions, including kidnappings and clashes, resulting in numerous casualties. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the death toll has risen significantly since the violence erupted.
Regional Condemnation
Several Middle Eastern countries condemned the Israeli air strikes. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry stated that repeated violations only serve to deepen tensions and destabilize the region. Algeria denounced the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of Syria’s sovereignty and expressed solidarity with Syria’s right to defend itself.
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry rejected actions that endanger Syrian civilians and exacerbate humanitarian suffering, calling for de-escalation to preserve regional stability. Lebanon’s president affirmed full solidarity with Syria, urging the international community to pressure Israel to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, questioning on social media, “Which capital is next?” The Arab League labeled the strikes as a “blatant assault” on the sovereignty of an Arab state and accused Israel of exploiting events in Sweida to sow chaos.
International Response
The United States expressed concern over the escalating violence. A State Department spokesperson emphasized the need for all parties to de-escalate and protect civilian lives. The U.S. called for a restoration of calm in Sweida and urged Syrian forces to withdraw to enable de-escalation.
As tensions rise, the international community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict and a return to stability in the region.
