In a dramatic escalation, Syria has accused Israel of deliberately fueling internal unrest and seeking to “ignite tension and chaos” across Syria. The allegation comes after a series of Israeli air raids struck key sites in Damascus, including the Defence Ministry and areas close to the presidential palace.
At least three people were killed and dozens more injured in the strikes, which Israel claims were conducted in support of the Druze minority in Syria’s southern region. Damascus has strongly rejected this justification, warning that the attacks are an act of aggression aimed at sowing division among Syria’s communities.
In response to rising tensions, Syrian government forces have begun pulling back heavy military equipment from the Druze-dominated city of Suwayda, as part of a tentative ceasefire agreement negotiated with local Druze leaders. However, prospects for peace remain bleak, as a similar truce earlier this week fell apart within hours. Prominent Druze spiritual figure Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri has already rejected the new ceasefire, casting doubt on its durability.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Over the past 24 hours alone, at least 93 Palestinians have been killed, including 30 individuals reportedly waiting for food aid, according to Al Jazeera’s medical sources. The bombardment comes amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the enclave.
Since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, the Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 58,573 Palestinians have been killed, with 139,607 injured. The initial attack in Israel left 1,139 people dead and saw more than 200 taken hostage.
As **conflict escalates across regional fronts—from Damascus to Gaza—**concerns are growing over a broader destabilization of the Middle East. International observers warn that continued military aggression, especially in volatile ethnic and sectarian regions like Suwayda, may spiral into wider unrest with far-reaching geopolitical consequences.
