Damascus, December 15, 2024: Israel carried out extensive airstrikes in Syria overnight, targeting multiple sites despite assurances from Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani that his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), seeks no conflict with Israel.
The strikes come amid rising tensions, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to expand settlement building in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also confirmed that Israeli troops would maintain their positions on Mount Hermon, citing its “enormous security importance” given ongoing developments in Syria.
Jolani, whose group has been a key player in Syria’s civil conflict, dismissed Israel’s actions as baseless provocations, emphasizing the country’s need for peace and reconstruction after years of war. “Syria’s focus must be on rebuilding, not on new conflicts,” he stated, advocating for diplomatic solutions to ensure stability.
Jolani also accused Israel of exploiting false pretexts to justify its military actions, warning that such strikes risk escalating regional tensions. “The recent Israeli violations are unwarranted and dangerous, threatening unnecessary escalation,” he remarked, urging restraint and a focus on diplomacy.
The airstrikes and ongoing settlement expansion underscore the fragility of the situation in the region, with concerns growing over potential broader confrontations despite calls for peace.
