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Israeli Strikes Hit Near Syria’s Presidential Palace Amid Sweida Clashes
Israeli strikes hit near Syria’s presidential palace & defence HQ, citing Druze protection in Sweida. EU, France, Turkiye & GCC slam escalation.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-16
Israeli Strikes Hit Near Syria’s Presidential Palace Amid Sweida Clashes

Tensions in Syria escalated sharply on Wednesday after Israeli airstrikes struck areas near the presidential palace and military headquarters in the heart of Damascus, with Syrian and international sources confirming multiple explosions and injuries. The strikes came on the heels of intensifying clashes in the southern Druze-majority city of Sweida, where government forces are accused of committing summary executions of civilians.

According to a Reuters witness and Syrian state media, at least two drone strikes hit the defence ministry building, forcing officers to seek cover in basements. State TV Alekhbariya reported that two civilians were wounded. Loud explosions were heard across Damascus, sparking panic among residents.

The Israeli military later claimed responsibility, stating it struck the “entrance gate of the Syrian regime’s military headquarters complex” and is monitoring “attacks against Druze civilians in southern Syria.”

🔹 Violence in Sweida: Clashes and Ceasefire Collapse

The airstrikes followed a fourth consecutive day of fighting in Sweida, where Syrian government forces, initially deployed to suppress Bedouin militias, ended up clashing with Druze fighters instead. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 21 Druze civilians were executed by regime forces and allied groups in the area.

Sweida24, a local news outlet, confirmed heavy artillery and mortar shelling in the city and surrounding villages. Power outages and fear forced many residents to shelter in place.

The Syrian Defence Ministry claimed that “outlaw groups” had broken the ceasefire and called on civilians to stay indoors.

🔹 Global Condemnation

The Israeli strikes prompted widespread international condemnation:

  • 🇪🇺 The European Union expressed alarm over the civilian death toll and urged all sides to respect Syria’s sovereignty and implement a ceasefire.
  • 🇫🇷 France condemned the “abuses targeting civilians”, particularly the reported executions in Sweida, and called for renewed dialogue and a lasting peace.
  • 🇹🇷 Turkiye described Israel’s air raids as a “sabotage against Syria’s stability”, denouncing the targeting of army facilities in Damascus.
  • 🇩🇪 Germany warned against foreign powers turning Syria into a “plaything”, calling on all actors to de-escalate.
  • 🇸🇦 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) called the strikes a “flagrant violation” of Syrian sovereignty and a serious threat to regional security.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi demanded international accountability for the “irresponsible escalation” and violations of international law.

🔹 US Mixed Signals

In Washington, reactions revealed a divide within the administration:

  • 🇺🇸 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed he had spoken to “relevant parties” and expressed deep concern.
  • Former President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly urged Israel to halt the strikes and consider diplomacy, per Axios reporter Barak Ravid.

🔹 Netanyahu’s Warning to Druze Community

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned Druze civilians not to cross the armistice line amid rising violence in Sweida.

“Do not cross the border,” Netanyahu warned. “The situation is very serious.”

Despite attempts at diplomacy, the Syrian crisis is deepening, with foreign military involvement, civil unrest, and government crackdowns pushing the country further into a volatile geopolitical showdown.

 
Tagged:

MiddleEastConflict

IsraelSyria

DamascusStrikes

SweidaClashes

DruzeCommunity
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