Israeli Airstrikes Target Islamic Jihad in Damascus, Resulting in 15 Deaths

On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes targeted a western neighbourhood in Damascus and a suburb, resulting in at least 15 deaths and 16 injuries, according to Syria's state news agency. The strikes hit the Mazzeh neighbourhood and Qudsaya suburb, damaging two buildings. An Associated Press journalist reported that a missile struck the basement of a five-story building in Mazzeh.

The Israeli military stated it targeted infrastructure and command centres of the Islamic Jihad militant group in Syria. They claimed to have caused "significant damage to the terrorist organization's command centre and its operatives." The airstrikes occurred shortly before Ali Larijani, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, was set to meet Palestinian faction representatives at the Iranian Embassy in Mazzeh.

Regional Tensions Escalate

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

An official from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad Group confirmed that their office in Mazzeh was targeted, resulting in several member casualties. The official requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak publicly. Meanwhile, Syria's state news agency reported that air defences were activated against a "hostile target" near Homs but provided no further details.

Iran's Role in Syrian Conflict

Iran has been a key supporter of Syrian President Bashar Assad since the 2011 uprising turned into civil war. Tehran has sent military advisers and fighters from across the Middle East to support Assad. Additionally, Iran has provided economic aid through fuel and credit lines worth billions.

Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes in Syria targeting Hezbollah members from Lebanon and officials from Iranian-backed groups. Hezbollah began firing into Israel on October 8, 2023, in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. Since then, over 3,200 people have died in Lebanon, with more than 14,200 injured, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.

Lebanon Under Fire

Lebanon's state media reported an Israeli airstrike on Thursday hit a building in Baalbek city, killing at least nine people and injuring five others. The strike came without warning, and the Israeli military did not comment on the target. Rear Adm Daniel Hagari stated that Israel had struck over 300 targets across Lebanon within a week.

Israeli warplanes intensified attacks on Thursday, targeting southern and eastern Lebanon areas like Tyre city outskirts and Nabatieh province. Sporadic airstrikes also hit Beirut's southern suburbs as evacuation warnings were issued for several locations by the Israeli army.

UN Peacekeeping Efforts

The United Nations peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix visited Lebanon amidst ongoing battles between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. UNIFIL continues monitoring the escalating conflict along the Blue Line despite calls for peacekeepers to retreat five kilometres from the border.

Lacroix emphasised UNIFIL's importance in maintaining its presence throughout southern Lebanon. He noted that vacating positions would undermine UNIFIL's capacity to play a role when hostilities cease. Lacroix highlighted resolution 1701 as crucial for settlement despite its incomplete implementation since ending the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.