Syria’s interim president has strongly denounced Israel for its alleged “wide-scale targeting of civilian and government facilities” following Israeli military strikes on Damascus on Wednesday. The strikes came as Israel sought to intervene in clashes between the Syrian army and Druze fighters, which have resulted in the deaths of over 350 people according to a war monitor. The president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, stated that these Israeli strikes could have escalated matters significantly if not for the “effective intervention of American, Arab, and Turkish mediation.” Sharaa also emphasized the protection of Druze citizens and their rights as a priority following the clashes in the southern city of Sweida.
The Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday were significant, hitting part of Syria’s defense ministry and areas near the presidential palace. According to the Israeli military, these strikes were intended to send a message to the Syrian president regarding the events in Sweida. Israel had previously struck Syrian tanks and continues to conduct drone strikes on troops, resulting in the deaths of some soldiers.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced that an agreement had been reached to restore calm in the area and called on all parties to honor their commitments, though he provided no details on the nature of the agreement. Rubio attributed the clashes in Sweida to “historic longtime rivalries,” suggesting they led to an unfortunate misunderstanding between Israel and Syria.
The Syrian government and a spiritual leader of the Druze community have announced a ceasefire amid the violence, though it remains unclear whether the truce will hold, as another spiritual leader vowed to continue fighting. The Syrian army has started to withdraw from Sweida following a US call for government forces to leave the city, which is predominantly Druze. The situation has led to concerns about a wider sectarian conflict, further alienating the Druze community from the state.
Israel’s actions on Wednesday marked a notable escalation against Sharaa’s administration, despite warming ties with the US and evolving security relations with Israel. In response to calls in Israel to assist Druze in Syria, many Israeli Druze crossed the border, linking up with their counterparts on the Syrian side. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that the military was working to help the Druze and advised Israeli Druze citizens not to cross the border. The Israeli military confirmed efforts to safely return those who had crossed.
Reports of human rights abuses have emerged as government forces entered Sweida, and the UN Security Council is set to address the conflict on Thursday. The situation remains tense, with fears of further sectarian violence and the potential distancing of the Druze community from the state.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/17/syrian-president-condemns-israels-attacks-on-damascus-and-vows-to-protect-druze-community
