Dhaka, July 18, (V7N) – The devastation that began with Israel’s assault on Gaza 21 months ago has now extended to Syria, following attacks in the West Bank, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran. Under the pretext of protecting the Druze community, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a series of aggressive operations in Syria, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions.

The Syrian Defense Ministry building was recently struck by Israeli forces, an attack broadcast live on television. Damascus and several other key regions have been targeted in this latest offensive, which has focused on critical military and strategic installations.

The Israeli operation, known as “Operation Iron Sword,” initiated on October 7, 2023, in Gaza, has since expanded, with Israel conducting isolated and now large-scale attacks across multiple Middle Eastern countries. Syria has become the newest front in this expanding conflict.

For 21 months, the Netanyahu administration has carried out widespread killings and destruction in Gaza, but violence has also continued unabated in the West Bank, where demolitions and indiscriminate shootings persist. Lebanon has experienced Israeli bombings amid the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, with attacks hitting Beirut and other cities until the ceasefire reduced hostilities, though did not halt them entirely.

Yemen has also suffered Israeli airstrikes, particularly targeting military and civilian sites in response to the Houthi resistance against the Gaza offensive, resulting in significant civilian casualties.

Iran was attacked in June during a 12-day conflict in which over 900 people, mostly civilians, were killed in IDF strikes across the country. Israeli forces have also targeted Iraq on several occasions.

As Israeli strikes continue to ripple through the region, questions mount over the extent of Tel Aviv’s ambitions and what Benjamin Netanyahu’s next target might be.

END/RH/AJ