Israeli Strikes Continue in Syria Despite Ceasefire Talks as US Calls Violence a Historic Misunderstanding

New Delhi (India) July 17: Israel launched a number of intense airstrikes on Wednesday night in the center of Damascus. They hit the presidential palace and the headquarters of the Syrian Defense Ministry. The attacks came after Israel warned Syrian soldiers to leave southern Syria. 

Now, the US has intervened, calling the violence a "misunderstanding." They declare that all sides have reached a cease-fire agreement.

In the meantime, leaders of the Druze community and Syrian government officials announced a new truce on Wednesday. They hope to end days of intense battle. The battle had endangered Syria's vulnerable postwar political transition and sparked Israeli military attacks.

But according to sources, Israeli bombings continued long after the second ceasefire was announced.

US blames violence on historic rivalry

In a social media post, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the conflict a historic rivalry that had resulted in an "unfortunate misunderstanding." He said Washington got promises from all parties to cease it "tonight."

Rubio said, "These are historic, longtime rivalries and it led to an unfortunate situation and a misunderstanding. We are on our way towards a real de-escalation. In the next few hours, we hope to see some real progress to end what you have been seeing. It led to an unfortunate situation and a misunderstanding, it looks like, between the Israeli side and the Syrian side".

The latest fighting revolves around the Druze province of Sweida in southwest Syria. The armed battles between Bedouin forces with the government and Druze groups broke out earlier this week.

Israel attacked Syrian tanks and soldiers, saying it was imposing a demilitarized zone close to its border and protecting the Druze population.

Syria's foreign ministry said it holds Israel "fully responsible" for the attacks. It criticized the Israeli strikes. The ministry promised to defend the Druze and other Syrian citizens.

The Syrian government declared in a statement that it will prosecute "anyone proven to have committed violations or abuses, regardless of their rank or position."

The violence is a major challenge for Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim president of Syria. He has had difficulty assuming power since removing Bashar al-Assad in December. Minority populations continue to mistrust Sharaa, despite the Trump administration's support.

UN to discuss rising Syria-Israel tensions

The UN Security Council will meet to talk about the two neighboring countries' problems. The Interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasized his commitment to protect minority groups. Israel's UN representative called for condemnation of attacks on people in the Islamist country.

Aadrika Tayal