Syria condemned Israeli air strikes near Damascus, which killed two and injured five, urging UN action against ‘Israeli aggression’ on civilians. The strikes, targeting Hezbollah-related sites, continued Israel’s longstanding military campaign in Syria.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry has condemned the recent Israeli air strikes, which targeted civilian sites in the vicinity of Damascus, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to five others. As stated by the Syrian state-run news agency SANA, the air strike occurred on Monday evening near Sayyidah Zaynab, an area known for its significant population of displaced people from Lebanon. The ministry urged the United Nations to intervene and halt what it termed as ‘Israeli aggression’ against civilians, calling for accountability for the actions taken by Israel. In particular, strikes aimed at civilian locations have raised serious concerns among international observers. Among the attacks reported were multiple strikes in Sayyidah Zaynab, including one on the Kaou Sudan junction, a site frequented by displaced populations fleeing from prior conflicts. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the strikes were particularly lethal to members of Hezbollah, with two fatalities noted among their ranks. The Israeli Air Force acknowledged conducting operations targeting Hezbollah intelligence assets within Syria, claiming these operations are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the group’s military capabilities. Sayyidah Zaynab, being a stronghold for Hezbollah and possessing a prominent Shia shrine, has been a consistent target of Israeli military actions. Israel has executed extensive military strikes in Syria over the years, intensifying following the recent conflict with Hamas on October 7.
The conflict between Israel and Syria has a long and complex history, rooted in territorial disputes and sectarian tensions, primarily regarding the Golan Heights and the influence of Hezbollah in the region. Recent Israeli air strikes have escalated tensions, particularly as Israel aims to disrupt the military capabilities of Hezbollah, which has been active in both Lebanon and Syria. The incidents reflect increasing instability in the region and raise questions regarding international law and humanitarian consequences, as civilian areas continue to be affected by military operations.
In summary, the Syrian government’s condemnation of the recent Israeli air strikes illustrates the heightened tensions and ongoing military confrontations in the region. The call for international intervention by the Syrian Foreign Ministry underscores the urgent need for a diplomatic approach to address the violence affecting civilian populations. Furthermore, the acknowledgment from Israel regarding its military operations against Hezbollah highlights the complexities and dangers of the ongoing conflict, especially in densely populated areas.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
