The situation between Israel and Syria has escalated, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reporting missile attacks on Israeli territory from Syria. In retaliation, the IDF opened artillery and mortar fire towards the source of the attacks. The IDF stated that some of the shells launched from Syria crossed into Israeli territory and are believed to have landed in open areas. However, no further details were provided.
On the diplomatic front, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its support for Palestine in its fight against Israel, condemning what it termed the “brutal actions of the Israeli occupation” against the Palestinian people. The ministry emphasized that Palestine is on the verge of achieving a desired victory, adding that the actions of Palestinian resistance forces validate the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent state on their own land.
Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite group, praised Hamas for its attacks on Israel but stopped short of openly supporting the group. Hezbollah stated that it is “assessing” the situation and maintaining contact with activist leadership.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, in a televised speech, denied Tehran’s involvement in Hamas’ attacks on Israel. However, he welcomed the “irreparable damage” caused to the Israeli armed forces, according to GlobalVillageSpace.com.
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas began on October 7 with a massive rocket attack on Israeli territory. The radical group announced the launch of Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against Israel, to which Israel responded by launching Operation Iron Swords in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. According to the Israeli Ministry of Health, more than 900 people have been killed and over 2.8 thousand injured during the fighting. On the Palestinian side, 830 deaths and more than 4.2 thousand injuries have been reported.
Additional reports indicate that Israeli soldiers carried out artillery and mortar fire towards Syria after shells launched from the north of the neighboring country landed in deserted areas of Israeli territory, according to Reuters. A source in southern Syria indicated that a Palestinian faction had launched three rockets towards Israel.
The Israeli military said it is responding to fire from Syria with artillery and mortar shelling.
This escalation comes amid a broader conflict that has already claimed numerous lives and caused significant injuries on both sides. The international community watches with bated breath as the situation continues to unfold, raising questions about the long-term implications for regional stability and international relations.
