Escalating Tensions: Israel Strikes Syria, Considers Gaza Offensive Amid Regional Turmoil
The Israeli Air Force has launched a series of strikes targeting locations in Damascus, the Syrian capital, following intense clashes between the Druze minority, pro-government militias, and Syrian security forces. The military confirmed that targets in proximity to the presidential palace were among those hit. Simultaneously, Israeli leadership is reportedly deliberating on a potential escalation of military operations in the Gaza Strip.
According to Israeli media outlets, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement following the Syrian strikes, stating, "This is a clear message to the Syrian regime. We will not allow troops to be sent south of Damascus or the Druze community to be threatened."
The Druze, a religious minority primarily residing in Syria, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon, originated in the 11th century from Shia Islam. In Israel, many Druze voluntarily serve in the army, with the Jewish state considering them allies. Recent clashes in Syria have involved Sunni militias and Druze armed groups, resulting in over 100 casualties since the beginning of the week, as reported by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
Prior to the Damascus airstrikes, Defense Minister Katz had warned the Syrian leadership against further attacks on the Druze minority. "If the attacks on the Druze in Syria do not stop, we will react with great severity," Katz reportedly told Ahmed al-Scharaa, the interim president of Syria, through his spokesperson. The Israeli Air Force had previously struck targets in Syria on Wednesday, targeting individuals allegedly attacking Druze near Damascus.
Following negotiations, the Druze in southern Syria agreed to surrender their heavy weapons. In return, a new military unit composed of Druze, under the supervision of the Ministry of Defense, will be established in the Suwaida province to ensure security in the region, according to sources within the Druze community. A security agreement has also been reached between the government and local militias in Dscharamana, near Damascus.
Meanwhile, Druze citizens in Israel have been protesting against the violence against their co-religionists in Syria. According to news portal "ynet," protesters blocked several roads, demanding a more decisive intervention by the Israeli government to stop the bloodshed. Reservists from the Israeli armed forces were reportedly among the demonstrators.
One Druze reservist was quoted by "ynet" saying, "There is a historical connection between Jews and Druze. Just as we have stood up for this country and would die if necessary, we must now do something against the atrocities being inflicted on our brothers in Syria. This alliance knows no bounds. If necessary, we will go ourselves to protect our families in Syria."
Reports indicate that protesters also marched towards Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea. The spiritual leader of the Druze, Sheikh Mowafak Tarif, reportedly urged the protesters to end the road blockades and return home.
The US government has also condemned the violence in Syria. "The recent violence and inflammatory rhetoric directed against members of the Druze community in Syria are reprehensible and unacceptable," stated US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce. "The transitional government must stop the fighting, hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions, and ensure the safety of all Syrians."
Adding to the regional complexity, Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to hold a situation assessment to decide on plans to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip. Chief of Staff Ejal Zamir and Defense Minister Katz have already approved these plans, awaiting Netanyahu’s final approval.
The Israeli army resumed its attacks in the Gaza Strip on March 18, following a nearly two-month ceasefire. According to Israeli sources, 24 living hostages and the remains of 35 abducted individuals are still being held in the coastal strip. Israel aims to increase pressure on Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, to agree to the release of further hostages. Released hostages have reported being subjected to cruel treatment by their captors.
The Gaza war was triggered by the attack by Hamas and other Islamist militants on Israel on October 7, 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage to the Gaza Strip. Since then, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in the Gaza Strip, more than 52,400 people have been killed. The humanitarian situation for civilians in the blockaded coastal area has worsened due to Israel blocking aid deliveries for two months. The confluence of events in Syria and Gaza points to a region teetering on the brink of further escalation, with potential consequences for regional stability and international relations. The delicate balance between protecting minority communities, combating terrorism, and addressing humanitarian crises requires careful consideration and diplomatic solutions to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
