Syria has publicly condemned Israel’s actions, arguing they breach international humanitarian law and rights protections. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Damascus asserted that Israel is targeting medical facilities, refugee camps, and civilian neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip under the banner of self defense. The denouncement frames these actions as a pattern that threatens regional stability and raises serious questions about compliance with established humanitarian norms. The ministry’s message stresses the need for accountability and international oversight, highlighting concerns voiced by partners and allies who emphasize the importance of protecting civilians during armed conflict. [Source: Syrian Foreign Ministry statement]
According to the Syrian position, the actions attributed to Israel are said to violate core principles of international humanitarian law and universal human rights standards, provoking concern among Western governments that have historically supported Israel. Damascus contends that the response from the United States and European Union reinforces a perception of impunity around what Syria describes as violations against Palestinian civilians. The statement also characterizes the Palestinian stance as divergent from adherence to the Geneva Conventions, and it calls on advocates of universal human values to join the effort to curb what it sees as ongoing violations and to push for a renewed commitment to peace in the region. [Source: Syrian Foreign Ministry statement]
The release notes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges supporters of human rights and humanitarian law to intensify collective action aimed at stopping the perceived crimes and at fostering stability and durable peace in the Middle East. It frames the conflict as a stark test of international consensus on civilian protection and the proportional use of force, underscoring the urgency of diplomatic engagement, ceasefire initiatives, and independent investigations into alleged abuses. [Source: Syrian Foreign Ministry statement]
On October 7, Hamas reportedly launched a large-scale rocket offensive into Israel and announced the initiation of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Reports describe thousands of militants crossing into Israeli territory, seizing several pieces of military equipment, and taking more than a hundred hostages. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the state of war, signaling a broad and multifaceted military campaign. The ensuing military operations were framed by Israel as a strategy to neutralize Hamas and restore security for its population. [Source: situational briefings]
The Israeli defense operation, named Iron Swords by authorities, pursued the destruction of militant capabilities and strategic infrastructure linked to Hamas. Israeli air power conducted strikes against a wide range of targets in the Gaza Strip, including facilities associated with command and control, weapon storage, and operational support networks. Concurrently, the National Security Council of Israel announced measures to restrict essential resources such as water, food, electricity, and fuel to the Gaza region as part of a broader effort to pressure militant networks. On October 13, Israel stated it would relocate approximately 1.1 million Palestinians from northern Gaza to the south before a potential ground offensive, citing battlefield security concerns and the need to minimize civilian casualties by shifting populations away from conflict zones. [Source: Israel Defense Forces briefings]
Earlier statements from Israeli officials have addressed the accusations of war crimes, with authorities maintaining that the actions taken are directed at terrorism and do not target civilians indiscriminately. The discourse around the conflict continues to feature competing narratives about accountability, civilian protection, and the legality of battlefield tactics. Human rights organizations, international bodies, and neighboring states have called for restraint, independent investigations, and adherence to international humanitarian law to mitigate the human toll and to open avenues for conflict de-escalation and durable political solutions. [Source: human rights monitors and international bodies]