Israeli Military Movements and Airstrikes
initiated a military incursion into a 400-square-kilometer buffer zone in , arguing the need for temporary defense following the abandonment of Syrian military positions. This move drew international condemnation for potentially violating the 1974 disengagement agreement.
Concurrently, Israel conducted over 300 airstrikes across Syria, targeting military assets to prevent their use by extremist groups. These strikes included attacks on suspected chemical weapons sites and were reported to have reached within 25 kilometers of Damascus, despite Israeli denials of advancing towards the capital.
International Reactions and Local Dynamics
The U.S. and regional allies, including , , , and , condemned Israel's actions, viewing them as exploitative of Syria's chaos and a violation of international law. The also criticized the incursion, emphasizing the need to uphold the 1974 ceasefire.
Amidst the conflict, life in Damascus began to normalize with the reopening of banks and shops, signaling a shift after Assad's regime. However, the recent Israeli military operations have cast uncertainty over the future stability and governance of Syria.