Did Israel Launch Strikes Near Syria's Presidential Palace to Support the Druze Community?
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Synopsis
Tensions escalate as Israel confirms strikes near Syria's presidential palace, aiming to protect the Druze community. The ongoing clashes have raised alarms and prompted protests in Israel. This article delves into the implications of Israel's military actions and the Druze's precarious situation.
Key Takeaways
- Israel conducted airstrikes near Syria's presidential palace.
- Strikes aimed to protect the Druze community.
- Protests erupted in Israel demanding military intervention.
- The death toll from sectarian clashes has risen to 101.
- The situation highlights ongoing regional tensions.
Jerusalem/Damascus, May 2 (NationPress) - In a joint announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that overnight strikes were executed near the presidential palace in Syria's capital, Damascus.
The military action was a response to escalating violence earlier this week between local Druze fighters and pro-government forces in the south of Damascus.
"This serves as a clear warning to the Syrian regime," stated the Israeli officials.
"We will not tolerate any movement of forces south of Damascus that poses a risk to the Druze community."
Additionally, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted a site close to the Syrian presidential residence, resulting in significant explosions but no immediate casualties.
The SOHR characterized these strikes as a "cautionary warning", noting their proximity to one of the most fortified and significant locations of the Syrian government.
The Syrian authorities have yet to respond to the Israeli airstrikes.
During ongoing sectarian tensions, two injured Druze Syrians were transported on Thursday to Ziv Medical Centre in Safed, northern Israel, for treatment. On the same day, Katz cautioned against severe repercussions if hostilities involving the Druze community persist in Syria.
In the early hours of Friday, hundreds of Israeli Druze demonstrators gathered outside Netanyahu's private residence in Caesarea, demanding military intervention to safeguard the Druze in Syria, as reported by Israeli media.
Earlier on Thursday night, thousands of Druze individuals in northern Israel took to the streets, obstructing major highways, according to the Xinhua news agency.
The SOHR provided an update indicating that the death toll from two days of sectarian clashes near Damascus has reached 101, including nine field executions.
Druze communities primarily reside in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, with smaller populations in Jordan. Since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024, Israel has been making efforts to strengthen ties with the Druze community following its territorial gains near the Syrian border and in the Golan Heights.
Point of View
The situation highlights the delicate balance of power in the region and Israel's commitment to protecting its Druze population. The actions taken by Israel signal a proactive approach to regional instability and underline the complexities of sectarian conflict.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Israel's airstrikes near Damascus?
The airstrikes were a response to escalating violence between local Druze fighters and pro-government forces, which raised concerns for the safety of the Druze community.
What was the immediate impact of the Israeli strikes?
The strikes caused loud explosions near the presidential residence in Damascus, but there were no immediate reports of casualties.
How have the Druze community reacted to the situation?
Protests erupted in Israel, with hundreds of Druze demonstrators demanding military intervention to protect their community in Syria.
What is the significance of the location of the strikes?
The strikes were near one of the most fortified and symbolic locations of the Syrian government, serving as a strong warning to the regime.
How many casualties have been reported from the sectarian clashes?
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the death toll from two days of clashes near Damascus has reached 101.
