The Syrian state news agency, SANA, reported on Wednesday that an Israeli airstrike in Quneitra, southwestern Syria, resulted in the death of a Syrian police officer and the injury of another. According to a source in Quneitra’s police command, the attack targeted the eastern entrance of the liberated city. This incident occurred a day after an Israeli airstrike hit a residential building in the Mazzeh neighborhood of Damascus, killing seven people, including women and children, and injuring 11 others.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes, urging immediate actions to deter Israel from what it described as a “criminal approach” that involves spreading violence, bloodshed, and chaos across the region. The ministry warned that such actions could escalate tensions, leading to catastrophic consequences.
The recent strikes are part of a pattern of increased hostilities in the region, with Syria frequently accusing Israel of targeting its territory, particularly in areas associated with Hezbollah or Iranian military presence.
The recent escalation is part of a broader pattern of increasing hostilities between Israel and Syria, especially since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023. Israel has intensified its airstrikes in Syria, frequently targeting sites linked to Hezbollah and Iranian forces, who are considered allies of the Syrian government. The strikes aim to prevent weapon transfers and weaken Hezbollah’s military capabilities, which Israel views as a significant threat. The situation is complicated by fears of the conflict spilling over, as tensions on other fronts, such as Lebanon, continue to rise. Since late September 2024, Israel’s military activities have increased in frequency and scope, including ground offensives in Lebanon and air operations in Syria, as part of efforts to counter perceived threats from Iran-backed groups in the region.
