Syrian Officials Deny Israel Aid After Earthquake; Death Toll Rises

The Syrian authorities did not turn to Israel for help after the earthquake. In the Syrian edition, Al-Watan relays that an unnamed Syrian official dismissed speculation about any outreach to Israel, stressing that such a move would be inappropriate for a country facing ongoing upheaval and regional tension. The official condemned remarks attributed to another leader, calling them an attempt to mislead the public and to draw attention away from broader regional dynamics and expansionist policies. According to the official, no Syrian government agency sought or accepted aid from Israel in the immediate aftermath of the disaster because Israel is perceived in Damascus as a destabilizing force that has repeatedly contributed to regional conflict and insecurity. By contrast, it has been reported that Israel did show a willingness to provide assistance after the quake, but this came after a formal request from Russia and was limited to humanitarian items such as essential medicines and other relief supplies intended for quake victims. The long-standing conflict between Israel and Syria, dating back to 1948, means there are no diplomatic ties or formal channels for cooperation between the two states at this time. The earthquake’s toll in Syria has been severe, with the death count surpassing 960 and injuries reaching around 2,400, underscoring the scale of the disaster and the urgent needs of those affected.