Israel Launches Intense Airstrikes Amid International Warnings of Escalation in Syria
May 3, 2025, 10:21 am

Israel Launches Intense Airstrikes Amid International Warnings of Escalation in Syria

غارات إسرائيلية

Tensions in Syria have escalated as Israel carried out a series of airstrikes amid strong warnings from the United Nations committee, which expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation on the ground and sectarian violence near Damascus. These developments come amidst deadly incidents that have resulted in the death of more than a hundred people, including civilians, due to clashes extending into areas such as Jaramana, Ashrafieh Sahmariya, and the Sweida Governorate.

In an official statement, the committee warned that continued Israeli airstrikes increase the risks of societal fragmentation and exacerbate civilian suffering, while hate speech and incitement on social media rise, threatening to undermine fragile peace efforts in Syria. All parties are urged to immediately halt the escalation, provide full protection for civilians, facilitate humanitarian aid, and urgently address the issue of forced displacement.

While reports indicate a temporary agreement between Sweida and Damascus leaders to stabilize the situation, the United Nations emphasized the Syrian Interim Government's responsibility to protect civilians and called for independent and comprehensive investigations into any violations of international law, with clear and transparent accountability for those responsible.

On the military front, Israeli occupation forces launched several strikes on Friday night targeting military sites and missile facilities in various parts of Syria, as part of their defense of Israeli territory and citizens. Human rights sources reported that Israeli aircraft carried out more than 20 airstrikes on areas including Daraa, Rif Damascus, and Hama, marking some of the most intense attacks since the beginning of the year and raising concerns of further escalation.

Meanwhile, local sources in Sweida denied trustworthy reports of an Israeli helicopter landing inside the city, confirming that the circulated news is false and lacks evidence. These events follow days of security tensions in the area, which led to an agreement between the governorate and Damascus to strengthen security and stability through a local security apparatus composed of Druze community members, in an attempt to contain the escalation and ensure calm.

The situation in Syria remains tense, amid multiple field and political developments, requiring international efforts to halt escalation, protect civilians, and restore stability and peace to the country.

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