By Voice of America News
Israel has carried out a series of air strikes targeting key areas in the heart of the Syrian capital, Damascus, amid renewed clashes in the southern city of Suwayda following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire between Syrian government forces and Druze armed factions.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the air raids struck near the entrance of Syria’s Ministry of Defence on Wednesday. The strikes came just hours after he publicly demanded that Syrian government troops withdraw from Suwayda. Another Israeli airstrike reportedly hit close to the presidential palace on the city’s outskirts.
According to Syria’s state media, at least one person was killed and 18 others wounded in the attacks. The Ministry of Health confirmed the casualties, while local sources described widespread panic in the targeted areas.
The air strikes occurred against the backdrop of growing instability in Suwayda, where intense fighting between Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze fighters—seen by Israel as potential allies—has continued for several days. Israel has justified its actions by claiming it aims to protect the Druze minority, whose forces have come under fire in the recent violence.
Despite the Syrian government deploying troops to Suwayda on Tuesday and declaring a temporary ceasefire, the truce quickly unraveled as fierce clashes resumed across the city.
International Reaction
United States
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed serious concern about the escalation.
“We’re going to be working on that issue … I just got off the phone with the relevant parties. We’re very concerned about it, and hopefully, we’ll have some updates later today,” Rubio told reporters. “But we’re very concerned about it.”
Turkiye
Turkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli strikes, characterizing them as an attempt to derail Syria’s efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, and reintegration into the international community.
“The Syrian people have a historic opportunity to live in peace and integrate with the world,” the ministry stated.
Omer Celik, spokesperson for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AK Party, echoed the sentiment.
“Israel’s attacks pose a security threat to the entire region and the world,” he posted on X.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The GCC—which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—condemned the air strikes “in the strongest terms.”
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the council’s secretary-general, described the attacks as a “flagrant violation” of Syria’s sovereignty and a breach of international law.
He warned that such actions could destabilize the region further. “These irresponsible escalations ignore international efforts to secure peace in Syria and the broader region,” Albudaiwi said. He reaffirmed the GCC’s commitment to Syria’s territorial integrity.
Norway
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide also voiced concern, warning that the Israeli air raids could sabotage diplomatic progress in Syria.
“Deeply concerned about recent Israeli airstrikes and rising domestic tensions. The escalation risks undermining efforts towards a peaceful, Syrian-owned transition,” Eide wrote on X.
He added that he was “alarmed” by the escalating violence and called on all actors to show “maximum restraint.”
As tensions continue to rise in both Damascus and Suwayda, the international community is watching closely, fearing the potential for further regional destabilization.
