Israeli Airstrikes Target Damascus, Killing 15 and Injuring Many Amid Rising Tensions

Israel conducted airstrikes on Damascus and its suburbs, killing 15 and injuring 16, according to Syria's state news agency. The strikes targeted the Mazzeh neighbourhood and Qudsaya suburb, damaging buildings. An Associated Press journalist reported a missile hit a five-story building's basement in Mazzeh. The Israeli military stated it targeted Islamic Jihad's infrastructure and command centres in Syria, causing significant damage.

Regional Tensions Escalate

The airstrikes occurred before Ali Larijani, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, was set to meet Palestinian faction representatives in Damascus. Israel claims Islamic Jihad participated with Hamas in the October 7 attacks on southern Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 250 abductions into Gaza. The Israeli military vowed to continue operations against Islamic Jihad as needed.

The conflict has expanded beyond Gaza, affecting Lebanon and Syria, with tensions between Israel and Iran rising. The war has devastated Gaza, with over 43,000 Palestinians killed, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. These figures do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

Hezbollah's Involvement

Hezbollah began attacking Israel on October 8 in solidarity with Hamas. Since then, Lebanon has reported over 3,200 deaths and more than 14,200 injuries. In Israel, 76 people have died, including 31 soldiers. An Israeli airstrike in Baalbek city in eastern Lebanon killed at least nine people and injured five others. The target of this strike remains unclear.

Israeli warplanes intensified attacks on southern and eastern Lebanon on Thursday. Areas targeted included Tyre city outskirts and Nabatieh province. Sporadic strikes also hit Beirut's southern suburbs. The Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for several locations there.

UN Peacekeeping Efforts

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN peacekeeping chief, visited Lebanon amid ongoing battles between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. He affirmed the UN's commitment to maintaining its peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, in southern Lebanon despite the conflict. UNIFIL continues monitoring the situation along the Blue Line boundary despite calls for peacekeepers to retreat.

UNIFIL accused Israel of destroying observation equipment; 13 peacekeepers have been injured. Lacroix visited some wounded peacekeepers during his trip. He stressed the importance of UNIFIL's presence for future peace efforts when hostilities cease.

Iran's Role in Syria

Iran has been a key supporter of Syrian President Bashar Assad since the civil war began in 2011. Tehran has provided military advisers and fighters to support Assad's regime. Iran also offers economic aid through fuel supplies and credit lines worth billions of dollars.

Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria targeting Hezbollah members and Iranian-backed officials. These actions aim to counter threats from groups supported by Iran in the region.

The ongoing conflict underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics involving Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and various militant groups. As tensions persist, regional stability remains uncertain amidst continued violence and international diplomatic efforts for resolution.