Syria condemns Israeli air strikes near Damascus, calling them “criminal” and urges UN intervention. The strikes reportedly resulted in two deaths and five injuries, targeting the Sayyidah Zaynab area known for its Hezbollah presence. In response, Israel acknowledged targeting Hezbollah’s intelligence operations, highlighting the ongoing conflict and tensions in the region.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry has condemned recent Israeli air strikes which targeted civilian areas near Damascus, emphasizing the urgent need for United Nations intervention. According to official reports, the strikes, executed by Israeli warplanes late Monday evening, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left five others injured. The attacks reportedly struck the Sayyidah Zaynab area, a site often associated with Hezbollah, leading Syria to characterize the bombings as “criminal” and a violation of international law. In a statement, the ministry remarked, “The Syrian Arab Republic condemns the aggression launched by the Zionist entity this evening,” while urging UN member states to take decisive action against such acts of aggression. The strikes, highlighted as occurring in a region known for dense civilian displacements due to previous conflicts, raised alarms regarding humanitarian impacts amid ongoing regional tensions. Israel, following a rare acknowledgment, stated that the strikes targeted Hezbollah’s intelligence operations in Syria, further complicating the already strained relations in the region.
The Syrian-Israeli conflict has been marked by recurring military actions, particularly pertaining to Hezbollah’s influence in Syria. Israeli air strikes have aimed at weakening Hezbollah’s operational capabilities, especially in areas such as Sayyidah Zaynab, which is important for its strategic position and significance to the Shia community. Recently, tensions have escalated in the region against the backdrop of broader conflicts, including the October 7 attacks by Hamas, leading to increased Israeli military activities in both Lebanon and Syria. The humanitarian implications of such strikes, particularly on civilian populations, have drawn widespread condemnation and calls for international action.
In summary, the recent Israeli air strikes on civilian areas in Syria have intensified existing tensions between the two nations. Syria’s Foreign Ministry has urged the United Nations to take immediate action against Israeli military aggressions, citing the need to protect civilians and hold accountable those responsible for such acts. As the situation continues to evolve, the regional implications and humanitarian concerns remain a critical focus for international observers.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
