Israel’s Syria Defence  Ministry Attack: World Leaders Reacts

The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes targeting the Syrian Defence Ministry and near the presidential palace in Damascus, resulting in at least one fatality and 18 injuries. The attacks occurred amid escalating clashes between government forces and Druze armed groups in the southwestern city of Suwayda, prompting widespread international condemnation, as World Leaders Reacts.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed deep concern over the escalation in violence, stating, “We’re going to be working on that issue… We’re very concerned about it, and hopefully, we’ll have some updates later today.” Rubio’s comments came after he spoke with relevant parties, emphasizing the need for de-escalation.

Turkish Foreign Ministry officials also weighed in, condemning the attacks as an attempt to sabotage Syria’s efforts to achieve peace, stability, and security. “The Syrian people have a historic opportunity to live in peace and integrate with the world,” the ministry said, urging stakeholders to support the Syrian government’s efforts to restore peace. Omer Celik, spokesperson for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s governing AK Party, echoed these sentiments, warning that “Israel’s attacks pose a security threat to the entire region and the world”.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued a strong statement condemning the Israeli attacks as a “flagrant violation” of Syria’s sovereignty and a breach of international laws and norms. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the council’s support for Syria’s territorial integrity, cautioning that continued Israeli attacks would constitute an “irresponsible escalation” and disregard international efforts to achieve stability in the region.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed alarm over the escalating violence, warning that Israel’s recent strikes could undermine efforts towards a peaceful transition of power in Syria. “Deeply concerned about recent Israeli airstrikes and rising domestic tensions,” Eide wrote on X, urging all actors to exercise “maximum restraint”.

The Israeli airstrikes are part of a broader campaign to deter threats near Israel’s northern border, with Defence Minister Israel Katz warning that Israeli forces would “operate forcefully” in Syria’s southern Sweida region “to eliminate the forces that attacked the Druze until their full withdrawal”.

The clashes in Suwayda began after a ceasefire between government forces and local Druze militias broke down, triggering intense street battles and renewed shelling. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, over 250 people have been killed in the violence, including 21 individuals allegedly executed in the field.