Video: Israel rains bombs on Syria; blast near presidential palace, civilians hit

Tensions between Israel and Syria have escalated dramatically as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a series of airstrikes targeting key Syrian military installations in the heart of Damascus.

The IDF has now confirmed that one of the main targets was the entrance to the Syrian regime's military headquarters. Israel also launched airstrikes near the presidential palace.

Strikes have destroyed the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff Command building, according to various videos emerging from the Syrian capital.

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So far, Israeli airstrikes on Damascus have killed one civilian and left 18 others injured, according to the latest update from Syria's health ministry.

These strikes come in response to the ongoing offensive by Syrian government forces against the Druze minority in southern Syria's Sweida region, which borders Israel's Golan Heights.

While the Syrian government has yet to officially respond to the latest wave of Israeli strikes, it had earlier denounced Israel’s "criminal and illegal behaviour" in southern Syria. The condemnation came as fighting escalated between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes in the region.

In a statement issued by the Syrian presidency, the government described the inter-communal violence as "unacceptable under any circumstances" and said it went against the country's foundational principles.

Following the onset of Israeli strikes in Damascus, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stern message on social media, declaring, "The warnings in Damascus have ended – now painful blows will come."

He added that the Israeli military would "continue to operate forcefully" in Sweida, the southern Syrian region where Israel has stepped in amid ongoing clashes involving the Druze community and other armed factions.

The IDF said that it is acting under political directives to protect the Druze population from alleged government persecution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier issued a warning to the Syrian regime, asking it to withdraw its troops from the southern region or face consequences.

The Israeli air campaign follows weeks of violence in Sweida, where Syrian forces have clashed with Druze minorities and members of Bedouin tribes. Amid the fighting, thousands of Druze civilians were seen attempting to cross the border fence from Syria into Israel.

In a public appeal, Netanyahu urged Druze residents not to cross the border, warning them of the dangers and assuring them that the IDF would act on their behalf.

"This is not your job. You are risking your lives; you could be murdered, you could be taken hostage, and you are impeding the efforts of the IDF," Netanyahu said in a statement. "Return to your homes and let the IDF take action."

Meanwhile, the United States has also spoken out against the violence. Tom Barrack, the American special envoy to Syria, condemned the targeting of civilians, particularly in Sweida.

"We unequivocally condemn the violence against civilians in Suwayda. Full stop," Barrack said. "All parties must step back and engage in meaningful dialogue that leads to a lasting ceasefire. Perpetrators need to be held accountable," he added.

Israel's Foreign Ministry also shared images of the ancient 'Mar Michael' church in northern Sweida province, which it said had been burned down in the recent violence.

"Islamist aggression violently targets all minorities in Syria – Druze, Alawites, Kurds and Christians," the ministry posted. "What else needs to happen for the international community to raise its voice?!"

Defense Minister Katz had previously signalled a shift to a more aggressive military posture, warning Syria that unless it pulls back its forces, Israel would escalate strikes on regime assets.

Following a warning strike on the headquarters entrance, multiple follow-up airstrikes were conducted, with live TV broadcasts showing the military complex engulfed in flames.

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