Israeli Air Strike Targets Hamas Weapons Depot in Syria
On Saturday, the Israeli military confirmed that it conducted an air strike aimed at a weapons depot utilized by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in southern Syria. The military reported that the operation involved fighter jets executing a precision strike based on intelligence gathered about the facility, located near Deir Ali.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) asserted their commitment to dismantling Hamas’ operational capabilities across all fronts. They emphasized a proactive approach, stating that they will respond decisively to any attempts by terrorist organizations to establish a stronger foothold in the region.
Background of Israeli Air Strikes in Syria
The ongoing Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011, has seen Israel conduct numerous air strikes within the country. These operations have primarily targeted Iranian-affiliated sites as Israel seeks to counter perceived threats from its adversaries. The escalation of hostilities intensified following the removal of longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, leading Israel to increase its military activities significantly.
Israeli military officials have justified these strikes by claiming they aim to prevent advanced military assets from being acquired by hostile forces. This strategy has also involved incursions into the UN-monitored buffer zone separating Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights, further highlighting the regional tensions.
Hamas and Syria’s Complex Relationship
Historically, Syria has played a pivotal role in Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance,’ a coalition opposing Israel, which also includes Hezbollah from Lebanon. This alliance has been characterized by mutual support against their common adversary. However, Hamas’ relationship with the Syrian government has been fraught with complications, particularly following the onset of the civil war.
Hamas, which had previously been a staunch ally of the Syrian regime, severed ties in 2012 due to the brutal crackdown on protests by Assad’s forces. After nearly a decade apart, the group resumed its relationship with Syria in October 2022, reflecting a strategic realignment driven by their shared opposition to Israel.
