Amid rising tensions and escalating violence, the United Nations today issued an urgent call for Israel to immediately stop its military attacks on Syria, following recent airstrikes near the presidential palace in Damascus.
Key highlights:
- Israeli strikes came in response to violence against the Druze community in Syria, a group Israel has voiced support for.
- UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing violation of Syrian sovereignty and urged adherence to international law.
- Clashes erupted earlier this week in the Jaramanah and Sahnaya suburbs of Damascus.
- In Suweida province, a stronghold of the Druze near the Israeli border, 40 fighters were killed on Wednesday, including 35 ambushed, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
- The Druze faith, which emerged in the 11th century as an offshoot of Islam, is often misunderstood. While most Muslims do not recognize them as part of Islam, Druze consider themselves Muslim. Most Druze identify ethnically as Arabs, except those in Israel.
Pedersen stated:
“Israel’s airstrikes endanger civilians and destabilize the region. They must cease immediately. A return to dialogue and respect for international law is imperative.”
This statement comes at a time of renewed conflict in Syria, where minority communities like the Druze are caught in the crossfire of deepening geopolitical tensions.
