Suspected Israeli Airstrikes in Syria Escalate Regional Tensions
Overnight attacks in Syria, believed to be Israeli, killed at least 18 people. UN human rights chief calls for de-escalation as violence increases in the West Bank, raising concerns about regional stability.
Overnight airstrikes in Syria have resulted in at least 18 fatalities and nearly 40 injuries, according to Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabbash. The attacks, which occurred on September 9, 2024, targeted the Tartus and Hama governorates, marking one of the deadliest incidents since the Israel-Hamas conflict began 11 months ago.
While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, it is widely suspected to be behind the operation. The Israeli military has consistently targeted sites in Syria linked to Iran and Hezbollah, accusing Tehran of using Syrian territory to transport weapons to the Lebanon-based group. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has reportedly conducted over 180 strikes on Syria.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group established in 2006, reported that the strikes hit a scientific research institute in Masyaf, allegedly involved in developing short and medium-range missiles. Syrian officials, however, claim that civilian infrastructure was also impacted, including water and electricity facilities.
United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Türk emphasized the urgent need to end the Israel-Hamas war and prevent a broader regional conflict. Türk called on the international community to denounce Israel's actions in the West Bank and Gaza, where over 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the past 11 months.
"It seems to me we are at a fork in the road. Continuing down the current path is a treacherous new normal that will enable the region to sleepwalk into a dystopian future."
The situation in the West Bank has also deteriorated. On September 6, 2024, Israeli forces concluded a 10-day operation in Jenin, resulting in at least 36 Palestinian casualties. Two days later, a Jordanian citizen killed three Israelis at the Allenby Bridge border crossing.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rooted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, has seen the West Bank under Israeli occupation since 1967. Prior to this, Jordan controlled the territory from 1948 to 1967. The ongoing tensions and violence highlight the complex historical and political dynamics of the region.
As the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, established in 1945, begins on September 10, 2024, in New York City, the international community faces the challenge of addressing these escalating conflicts and working towards a peaceful resolution in the Middle East.
