The Israeli army has launched air attacks on the Syrian Defence Ministry and near the presidential palace in Damascus, resulting in at least one fatality and 28 injuries. These strikes follow Israel’s warning to escalate attacks if Syrian government forces are not withdrawn from the southern region, where clashes have occurred between Druze and security forces.
In a separate development, the Gaza Strip has witnessed a tragic incident at a food distribution site backed by the US and Israel, where at least 21 people have lost their lives. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has raised concerns about the alarming rate of malnutrition among children in Gaza, with one in 10 children screened in clinics showing signs of malnutrition. This humanitarian crisis is attributed to Israel’s siege, which has triggered a man-made starvation crisis in the region.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has led to a devastating toll, with at least 58,573 Palestinians killed and 139,607 wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. On the other hand, an estimated 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attacks, with over 200 taken captive. As the situation continues to unfold, tensions remain high, and the international community watches with concern.
The conflict’s humanitarian implications are severe, with the UN inquiry accusing Israel of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza. The same inquiry also found that Hamas has committed war crimes. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Israel has declared war against Hamas, mobilizing 300,000 reservists and launching a full-scale invasion of the Gaza Strip.
As reported by various news agencies, Israeli Defense Minister Isaac Scharf stated that Israeli troops will remain in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria indefinitely. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas’s military and governmental capabilities. The conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with widespread destruction and a severe shortage of basic necessities like food, power, and fuel.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence, with the US, France, and Canada threatening sanctions if Israel continues its offensive into Gaza. The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of violating ceasefire agreements and committing war crimes.