A deadly Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the Sayeda Zainab district south of Damascus has left seven civilians dead, including women and children. The strike, which occurred on Sunday, 10 November 2024, also resulted in injuries to around 20 others, according to the Syrian Defence Ministry.
Details of the Attack
The Syrian state news agency, SANA, reported the incident, describing it as an “Israeli aggression targeting a residential building” in a known Hezbollah stronghold. The neighbourhood is home to a significant Shiite shrine and has previously been a target of Israeli strikes.
- Fatalities included women and children.
- Twenty others were reported injured in the attack.
- The strike reportedly aimed at Hezbollah figures residing in the building.
Background Context
This incident marks the second Israeli strike in less than a week in the area, part of a broader pattern of increasing military action by Israel against Iranian-backed groups in Syria, particularly following the escalation of conflict with Hezbollah. Reports indicate that since the recent outbreak of hostilities, Israeli attacks have targeted pro-Iranian militias and have resulted in numerous casualties.
According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a conflict monitoring group, the prior day saw further strikes that killed multiple pro-Iran fighters in northern Syria. These military actions come amidst Israel’s ongoing efforts to curtail Iranian influence in the region.
International Reaction
While Israel typically refrains from commenting on individual strikes, officials have consistently stated their commitment to preventing Iran from establishing a stronghold in Syria. The uptick in strikes reflects heightened tensions and a strategic aim to disrupt the military capabilities of hostile groups near its borders.
As the situation continues to evolve, questions remain about the humanitarian impact on civilians living in these heavily contested areas. With ongoing conflict and military operations, the plight of ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire is a growing concern both locally and internationally.