United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres has sharply denounced Israel’s latest round of air‑strikes against Syria, warning that the escalation threatens civilian life, regional stability, and the nation’s fragile sovereignty, reported by Arab News. “He unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians,” his spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said, highlighting strikes on Suweida, Daraa, and central Damascus—including near the Defense Ministry and presidential palace.
The strikes come amid fierce sectarian clashes that erupted in Suweida Province after Druze‑Bedouin violence claimed at least 250 lives over the weekend.
Israel insists its operations are meant to safeguard the Druze minority, deploying air power against Syrian military targets, including tanks and launchers, and warning Damascus to withdraw its forces from the region.
In Damascus, explosions rocked the Defense Ministry complex and nearby presidential grounds, killing at least three and injuring dozens, according to Syria’s Health Ministry.
The U.S. has urged an immediate ceasefire, while numerous countries, including Turkey and members of the Arab League, have criticized Israel for breaching Syria’s sovereignty.
Syria’s government condemned the airstrikes as a “blatant violation” of international law and called on the U.N. Security Council to act decisively.
Guterres echoed that appeal, urging Israel to “refrain from violations of Syria’s independence” and restore calm.
As southern Syria teeters on the brink of wider conflict, the UN chief’s plea underscores the urgent need to protect civilians and prevent the current spiral from igniting a broader regional conflagration.
