Israel Launches Extensive Strikes in Syria Amid Regional Tensions

Overview: Key Developments

Key Event	Details
Date of Strikes	December 14, 2024
Targets	Military HQs, missile depots, chemical sites, naval facilities
Number of Airstrikes	Over 60 in under 5 hours
Key Players Involved	Israel, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), United Nations, U.S., and neighboring states

Escalating Strikes Across Syrian Territory

Israel escalated an extensive military campaign in Syria with over 60 airstrikes, targeting key installations such as military headquarters, missile depots, and naval facilities. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights noted the scale of these strikes as unprecedented since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime earlier this month.

“These strikes represent a grave violation of Syria’s sovereignty and undermine efforts to stabilize the region.” said António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

In Focus: Mount Hermon and Strategic Importance

Mount Hermon, part of the Golan Heights, has become a critical point of focus. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz underscored its importance, saying, “Our control over Mount Hermon is crucial for national security.” Reports indicate Israeli forces are constructing winter outposts in the region, a move criticized by international observers.

Syria’s Perspective: Stability Over Conflict

“Syria’s priority is reconstruction, not engaging in destructive military adventures.”
said Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, HTS Leader

Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, now leading the Syrian interim government, has called for restraint and dismissed Israel’s claims of security threats as baseless. Jolani has advocated for diplomacy, emphasizing reconstruction and stability over further conflict.

Key Regional Impacts

Regional Impacts

Damage to roads, power lines, and water networks in Quneitra.
Severe disruption to humanitarian aid routes.
Increased tensions with neighboring countries like Iran and Jordan.

Global Responses

UN calls for Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territories.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urges international cooperation for Syria’s stability.
Neighboring countries fear destabilization due to escalating violence.

Humanitarian Concerns: Crisis Deepens

The World Food Programme (WFP) reports critical shortages in aid delivery due to damaged infrastructure. Famine conditions in Darfur have worsened, affecting displaced families in camps.

Key Facts:

7,600+ Syrian refugees have returned via Turkish borders.
Aid deliveries to conflict zones remain delayed.
Landmine explosions killed 24 civilians last week, including three children.

Timeline: Syria-Israel Conflict

December 8, 2024: Bashar al-Assad regime collapses.
December 10, 2024: Interim Syrian government established under HTS.
December 14, 2024: Israel launches airstrikes targeting military sites across Syria.

Analysis: What’s Next for Syria?

“The evolving dynamics in Syria require careful international coordination to balance reconstruction with regional security concerns.” said Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State

As the international community seeks solutions, questions linger about the future of Syria’s governance, Israel’s aggressive military posture, and the role of global powers in stabilizing the region.