The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned an Israeli strike on the Syrian province of Deraa, stating that it resulted in “significant human and material losses,” according to the state news agency SANA. This attack comes after the Israeli military reported that two projectiles had crossed from Syria towards Israel on Tuesday, landing in open areas of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. However, the Syrian Foreign Ministry has expressed skepticism about these reports, saying they “have not been verified yet”.
The Syrian government maintains that it does not and will not pose a threat to any party in the region. “We believe that there are many parties that may seek to destabilise the region to achieve their own interests,” the ministry added, highlighting the complexity of the situation. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz held Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa directly responsible for the projectiles, warning that “a full response will come soon”.
Background and Recent Developments
This incident occurs against the backdrop of indirect talks between Syria and Israel aimed at easing tensions, a notable development given their decades-long conflict in the Middle East.
Israel has occupied the Syrian Golan Heights since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war and has taken additional territory following the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December. The area near the border has seen heightened tensions, including reported Israeli military incursions into nearby villages, where residents have been barred from sowing crops.
Related News
Recent developments in the region include:
- US Military Presence: The US plans to reduce its military presence in Syria, keeping only one base operational.
- Saudi-Qatari Cooperation: Saudi Arabia and Qatar will jointly fund Syria’s state salaries to stabilize the country and boost economic recovery plans.
- ISIL Attacks: The Islamic State (ISIS) has launched its first attacks against the new Syrian government, marking a sharp escalation.
- Israeli Actions: Despite indirect talks, Israel has continued to attack western Syria, citing the need to maintain freedom of action in the region.