Key takeaways
- Ukraine reportedly willing to temporarily cede occupied territories for ceasefire, though Russia remains unmoved
- Israel strikes near Syrian presidential palace, warning new government to protect Druze minority
Israel Warns Syria's New Government Israel bombed near Syria's presidential palace in Damascus, sending a "clear message" to protect the Druze minority from sectarian violence. The strike followed days of deadly clashes between Sunni Muslim gunmen and Druze community members. Israel aims to enforce a demilitarized zone in southern Syria and remains mistrustful of the new Sunni Islamist government led by former al-Qaeda member Ahmed al-Shara, who has struggled to maintain stability since Assad's overthrow in December.
Ongoing Sectarian Violence in Syria Recent bloodshed was triggered by a falsely attributed recording insulting the Prophet Muhammad, leading to attacks on Druze areas near Damascus. Over two dozen people were killed as violence spread southward. Syrian officials and Druze leaders reached a tentative deal for joint security forces to protect Druze provinces. This follows March clashes between Assad loyalists and new government forces that spiraled into mass killings leaving hundreds dead.