Israeli airstrikes in Syria have left one soldier dead and seven injured, according to the Syrian Defense Ministry. A separate strike in southern Lebanon killed three Lebanese soldiers. U.S. officials have raised concerns about Israel’s military actions amidst growing regional tensions, particularly in the wake of increased hostilities connected to the conflict in Gaza.
In recent developments, Israeli airstrikes in Syria have resulted in the death of at least one soldier and injuries to seven others in Damascus and Homs, as reported by the Syrian Defense Ministry. In a related incident, an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon led to the deaths of three Lebanese soldiers, including one officer. This attack occurred during an evacuation operation in the vicinity of Yater. The Israeli military has conducted these strikes amid escalating tensions in the region as part of its long-standing campaign against Iranian-affiliated targets in Syria, particularly in response to increased hostilities since the October 7 attack by Hamas. Moreover, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed grave concerns to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant regarding the safety of the Lebanese armed forces following the Israeli strikes. Austin emphasized the necessity for Israel to ensure the protection of both the Lebanese military and United Nations peacekeeping operations in the area. UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen warned the UN Security Council of the worsening situation, stating that conflicts in the occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza and Lebanon, are spilling over into Syrian territory. He characterized the recent Israeli airstrikes as the most extensive air campaign observed in over a decade. Additionally, ongoing accusations from the Israeli army claim that six Al Jazeera journalists covering the conflict in Gaza may have ties to Palestinian militant groups. Al Jazeera has categorically rejected these claims, describing them as unfounded attempts to undermine their journalistic integrity. This period has been marked by intensified military operations, resulting in significant casualties across Gaza, with reported fatalities soaring above 42,000 since the onset of the conflict.
The Israeli-Syrian conflict has been characterized by mutual hostility, with Israel frequently conducting airstrikes against targets in Syria it associates with Iranian influence and military presence. The latest strikes occur against a backdrop of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, which has seen a marked increase in violence since the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Amidst these tensions, the international community, particularly the United States, has voiced concerns regarding regional stability and the humanitarian implications of these military actions, notably their impact on Lebanese forces and the potential for a wider conflict.
The recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria and Lebanon highlight the escalating tensions and complexities within the Middle East, particularly in relation to Iranian influence and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The reported casualties among soldiers from both Syria and Lebanon underscore the regional spillover effects of these hostilities. As regional actors and the international community grapple with these developments, calls for restraint and protection of humanitarian interests become increasingly urgent.
Original Source: www.france24.com
