Israel has launched new airstrikes against southern Syria and the Damascus area as the UN Security Council holds an urgent session to address escalating conflict and condemn attacks causing civilian casualties.

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On July 17, 2025, Israeli fighter jets carried out multiple airstrikes targeting locations near the southern city of Suweida and key military sites in Damascus. The attacks coincided with an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council convened at Syria’s request to address the recent escalation and civilian harm resulting from Israeli operations.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported strikes on the outskirts of Suweida, a region recently destabilized by clashes between Syrian government forces and local Druze militia groups. These latest raids are part of a series of aggressive actions by Israel, which claim to be aimed at securing its interests near the Golan Heights but have led to increased destruction and casualties inside Syrian territory.

Representatives from Russia and China at the UN Security Council condemned the Israeli strikes in strong terms. Russian Ambassador Vasili Nebenzia underscored the humanitarian costs of the attacks:

“We consider unacceptable the attacks against the life and security of civilians. We demand immediate de-escalation, the restoration of calm, and free humanitarian access to those in need.”

Calls for restraint and respect for Syrian sovereignty were echoed by multiple council members during the session.

Joint Arab-Turkish statement: We support #Syria’s security, unity, stability and sovereignty and condemn the persistent #Israeli #aggression https://t.co/MOnaPhngJ0 via @SanaAjel pic.twitter.com/GkKi6GNnJK

— SANAEnglishOfficial (@SANAEnOfficial) July 17, 2025

The southern governorate of Suweida has recently witnessed violent confrontations between Syrian government troops and Druze armed groups, causing the collapse of a fragile ceasefire. Israel asserts its military actions are intended to protect Druze communities near its border but has been conducting a broader campaign involving repeated strikes on Syrian military convoys and infrastructure.

On July 16, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struck military headquarters near Damascus and launched additional attacks near the Presidential Palace and the residence of Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. These strikes signify a significant intensification of Israel’s operations deep inside Syria.

Syria requested the emergency Security Council session in response to what it described as Israeli violations of its sovereignty and attacks causing civilian injuries and deaths. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt to hostilities and respect for international law.

The deteriorating security situation has drawn criticism from various international actors concerned over renewed violence and its impact on civilians and regional stability.

The international community faces urgent challenges in addressing this cycle of violence. Key demands include:

-Immediate cessation of hostilities and airstrikes inside Syria

-Full respect for Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity

-Unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations

-Renewed diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region

As tensions continue to grow, effective dialogue and mutual respect remain essential to prevent further escalation and humanitarian catastrophe.

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