Overview

• Israeli fighter jets bombed areas near the Syrian presidential palace in Damascus, signaling direct intervention to protect the Druze minority after accusations of genocide by Druze leaders.
• Cheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, the Druze spiritual leader, labeled the violence a 'genocidal campaign' and called for immediate international intervention to safeguard civilians.
• Sectarian violence erupted in Jaramana and Sahnaya earlier this week, triggered by an unverified blasphemous audio message, leaving over 100 dead, including Druze fighters, civilians, and government-linked forces.
• The Syrian interim government, led by Ahmed al-Chareh, reiterated its commitment to protecting all communities but rejected foreign interference, including Israeli strikes.
• The United Nations, United States, and France condemned the violence, urging restraint and the protection of minority groups, while warning against escalating military actions.