Israeli airstrikes on Syria’s Daraa Governorate killed and injured civilians, including children and first responders, in one of the most intense escalations in recent months. The bombardment, which began Monday evening, continued into Tuesday morning, with Israeli forces advancing on foot into the western Daraa countryside following the attacks.
Civilian Casualties & Widespread Destruction
Syrian health officials confirmed that at least three civilians were killed and 19 others injured, including members of the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, as Israeli warplanes struck several locations. The airstrikes hit residential areas near the 132nd Brigade headquarters in the Masaken al-Dahiya neighborhood of Daraa city, as well as multiple military sites in Izraa, north of Daraa.
Rescue operations were hampered by ongoing strikes. White Helmets teams responding to the attacks were among the casualties, with several volunteers wounded while attempting to assist victims. Residents described scenes of devastation, with homes damaged and civilians fleeing in fear of continued bombardment.
“The explosions shook the entire city. People were praying when the missiles struck,” said Dr. Ziad al-Mahamid, Daraa’s health director. “The injuries include women and children, some with broken limbs and skull fractures.”
Israeli Incursion into Western Daraa
Hours after the airstrikes, Israeli occupation forces advanced on foot into the Yarmouk Basin area of western Daraa, backed by heavy machinery. The incursion, reported by the Free Houran League (FHL), marked a rare escalation involving ground troops.
The Israeli military claimed it had targeted command centers and military sites housing weapons, stating that they posed a threat to Israel. However, local sources, including FHL, confirmed that the targeted locations showed no signs of military activity before the strikes.
Syrian, Regional & International Reactions
The Syrian Islamic Council condemned the attacks, calling them a violation of Syrian sovereignty and an extension of “Zionist aggression.” In a statement, the council emphasized that the bombings coincided with the anniversary of the Syrian revolution and called for national unity in the face of external threats.
White Helmets also issued a plea for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks, citing violations of international humanitarian law. “The targeting of civilians, first responders, and vital infrastructure must end,” the statement read.
SANA reported that the Israeli airstrikes hit residential areas, including the 175th Regiment in Izraa and the 12th Brigade, which had no active military operations at the time. Witnesses described seeing families evacuating their homes as explosions rocked the area.
Israel’s Ongoing Military Campaign in Syria
Israel’s Defense Minister Yisrael Katz described the airstrikes as part of a “new policy” to enforce “security” along Syria’s southern border. However, critics argue that these operations disproportionately impact civilians, further destabilizing an already war-torn region.
With international calls for restraint mounting, the question remains whether Israel’s military campaign in Syria will continue escalating or if diplomatic efforts will intervene to prevent further civilian casualties.
