Israeli forces launched simultaneous missile attacks on the airports in Damascus and Aleppo in Syria today, causing damage to the runways and rendering both hubs out of service.
Footage circulating on social media shows a cloud of smoke emanating from one of the airports. The Syrian military source, cited by state news agency SANA, claimed that the strike was an attempt to divert attention from Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli military declined to comment on the attacks.
Iran's foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, accused Israel of seeking 'genocide' by enforcing a siege against Gaza. He made these remarks ahead of a regional tour to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which includes visits to Iraq and Lebanon.
Amirabdollahian stated that the war in Gaza is not just against Hamas but against all Palestinians. Israel has launched numerous air strikes on Syria in recent years, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces, Hezbollah fighters, and Syrian army positions. The strikes on the airports are believed to disrupt Iranian supply lines to Syria, where Tehran's influence has grown since the start of the civil war in 2011.
On Tuesday, Israeli troops fired artillery and mortar shells towards Syria in response to rockets fired from southern Syria hitting Israeli positions across the border. This development has raised concerns that the violence could escalate into a wider war, as Israel engages in cross-border exchanges with Lebanon's Hezbollah and battles Hamas in Gaza. Israel has targeted airports and sea ports in government-held parts of Syria to prevent arms shipments from Iran to militant groups backed by Tehran, including Hezbollah.
The Presidents of Iran and Syria have called on Islamic countries to unite in support of Palestinians. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi urged Islamic and Arab countries, as well as free people around the world, to take a unified stance against the 'crimes' of the Zionist regime. Raisi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also discussed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in their first phone call since their countries agreed to resume ties in March.
Iran's economic influence in Syria has grown in recent years, with Tehran providing credit lines and winning lucrative business contracts. As the conflict in Gaza continues, the Israeli government faces intense pressure to topple Hamas after the group's terrorists breached the border fence on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Israelis. In the Gaza Strip, residents are facing uncertainty as the territory's only power plant ran out of fuel and shut down on Wednesday, severely limiting communication and access to information.
Egypt has been engaged in talks with Israel and the United States to allow the delivery of aid and fuel through its Rafah crossing point, which remains closed on both sides. However, Egypt has pushed back against proposals to establish corridors out of Gaza, citing potential consequences for the Palestinian cause. The ongoing war, which has claimed over 2,500 lives on both sides, is expected to escalate.
During his visit to Israel, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged unwavering support for the country and acknowledged the Palestinians' legitimate aspirations. Blinken stated that the United States will always back Israel but also recognized that the Palestinians have legitimate aspirations that are not represented by Hamas. He condemned Hamas' reign of terror and called for peace and justice for all parties involved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed appreciation for US support, including military aid, and likened Hamas to the Islamic State group. He stated that just as ISIS was crushed, Hamas will also be crushed and should be treated accordingly.
Israel has called up 300,000 reservists and deployed forces, tanks, and heavy armor to the southern desert areas around Gaza in response to the attack launched by Hamas on October 7. Israeli soldiers have been conducting operations in southern towns and kibbutz communities, targeting terrorists and discovering large numbers of dead civilians.
Hamas has threatened to kill hostages if Israel bombs civilian targets in Gaza without advance warning, further exacerbating the anger and fear in Israel. The conflict in the south is further complicated by the threat from Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group based in Lebanon. Israel has amassed tanks on the border in response to repeated clashes with Hezbollah, including cross-border rockets and shelling.
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