Israeli Air Strikes -

In recent news, Israeli airstrikes have caused significant casualties and damage in Syria. According to reports, at least 18 people were killed and 37 injured in a series of Israeli attacks on military sites near Masyaf, a town in Syria’s Hama province. The incident highlights the ongoing and complex nature of the conflict in the region.

The attack and its immediate impact
The attack took place on Sunday night and targeted several locations in central Syria. Syrian state news agency SANA reported the casualties and injuries, citing Syrian Health Minister Hassan al-Ghabbash. According to SANA, the attacks targeted several military facilities, including a scientific research center allegedly involved in weapons development.

The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported even higher casualties, with 26 people killed. This includes civilians and members of the Syrian government forces. SOHR also noted that the attacks damaged key infrastructure such as highways and power lines.

Israeli aircraft reportedly launched missiles from northwestern Lebanon, targeting various military sites. Syrian air defenses managed to intercept some of the missiles, but others caused extensive damage. The attacks caused a fire in a nearby forest area and damaged the Masyaf-Wadi al-Oyoun highway.

Reactions and denials
The Israeli military has declined to comment on the specifics of the attacks, in line with its general policy of not discussing foreign media reports. However, Israel has acknowledged in the past that it carries out attacks in Syria targeting targets linked to Iran and allied armed groups. The escalation follows a pattern of increased Israeli military activity in response to attacks on northern Israel by Hezbollah and other groups.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes, calling them a “clear aggression.” Similarly, Iran, which has a significant presence in Syria, criticized the strikes as a “criminal attack.” Nasser Kanani, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, denied reports linking the attack to Iranian interests, specifically refuting claims that Iranian centers were targeted.

Western intelligence agencies have previously accused the Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC) near Masyaf of producing chemical weapons, which Syria has denied. The SSRC has been the focus of international scrutiny, particularly after a chemical attack on the rebel-held town in 2017, which the United Nations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) attributed to the Syrian air force.

The wider context
The recent attacks are part of a broader pattern of Israeli military activity in Syria. Israeli air and artillery strikes have hit Syrian territory 64 times this year alone, according to the SOHR. These operations have destroyed nearly 140 targets, including weapons depots and military facilities linked to Iranian-backed militias. At least 208 fighters have been killed as a result of the attacks, including members of Syrian government forces, Hezbollah, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

In April, tensions escalated further when Iran accused Israel of bombing the consulate building in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of two senior Revolutionary Guard commanders. In retaliation, Iran launched a massive missile and drone attack against Israel, although most of the projectiles were intercepted by Israeli and US-led forces.

Humanitarian damage and ongoing conflict
The impact of these attacks on local communities is profound. The destruction of infrastructure, such as highways and power lines, disrupts daily life and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Syria. The reported deaths and injuries are a harsh reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict.

The situation in Syria remains highly volatile, with regional and international players involved in a complex web of alliances and conflicts. Israeli airstrikes are part of a broader strategy to counter Iranian influence and military presence in Syria. Meanwhile, the Syrian government and its allies, including Iran and Hezbollah, continue to face pressure from multiple fronts, complicating efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.

In summary, recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian military targets have resulted in significant casualties and damage, highlighting the ongoing tensions and conflict in the region. As international actors continue to deal with this complex situation, the human cost and wider implications of these actions remain a serious concern.

The family of British aid worker James Kirby, who was tragically killed in Gaza, is demanding an independent legal inquiry into his death. Kirby, who was working with the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity, was one of three British citizens killed in Israeli drone strikes on their aid convoy on 1 April. His family is now urging the UK government to ensure transparency and accountability in relation to the incident.

The demand for an independent inquiry comes at a time when the Kirby family is preparing to hold a memorial service at Bristol Cathedral. They expressed disappointment at the lack of communication from both the UK government and Israeli authorities since the attack. The family has not received any condolences or updates from Israeli authorities, which has further increased their grief.

In response to the incident, the Israeli embassy in London described the attack as a “tragic mistake”. They offered their deepest condolences to Kirby’s family and acknowledged that two Israeli Defence Force (IDF) officers had been dismissed following an internal investigation. The IDF admitted that the convoy was mistakenly identified as a threat and that the attacks were the result of errors in decision-making.

James Kirby, 47, was a former soldier who was working in Gaza with other aid workers. The convoy he was part of was delivering food to a warehouse when it was attacked by several missiles. Kirby was killed as well as two other British citizens, John Chapman and James Henderson. The convoy’s mission was to aid civilians in Gaza, a region that has seen severe humanitarian crises.

The IDF’s internal investigation led to the dismissal of the brigade fire support commander and the brigade chief of staff. The findings were sent to the Military Advocate General, the IDF’s top legal authority, to determine if any criminal conduct was involved. Despite these measures, the Kirby family remains dissatisfied with the response and is demanding a comprehensive, independent investigation to ensure justice is served.

James’ cousin Louise Kirby expressed her concerns about the government’s lack of response and the need for a transparent investigation. He said, “We need to know how this disaster happened, who is responsible, and what measures have been taken for accountability. Simply saying ‘sorry it was an accident’ is not enough. We need transparency and accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.”

The Kirby family has also highlighted their disappointment with the way the British government has handled the situation. They have not received any information about whether any credible investigation is underway or what the results are if an investigation has been conducted. Louise Kirby urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take their concerns seriously and launch an independent or legal investigation into the attack.

After the attack, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for a “thorough and transparent independent investigation”. However, the Kirby family has not yet received any concrete response or assurances about their demands. The family has been supported by various organisations including WCK and have received personal condolence letters from the King, Queen and former Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron.

The incident has also drawn attention to the wider context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The IDF’s military operation in Gaza was launched in response to a major attack by Hamas on southern Israel in early October, resulting in a large number of casualties and hostages. The conflict has escalated since then, with recent updates reporting over 40,000 deaths in Gaza.

In the wake of the Kirby family’s demands for justice, pressure is mounting on both the British and Israeli governments to address the incident comprehensively. The family’s demands for accountability reflect wider concerns about the safety of aid workers in conflict zones and the need for transparent investigations of such tragic events.

As the memorial service for James Kirby draws closer, the family hopes for a resolution that honours his memory and ensures that justice is served. They continue to advocate for an independent inquiry to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death and hold those responsible accountable.

Tag: Israeli Air Strikes

Israeli airstrikes have caused significant casualties and damage in Syria.

“Call for Independent Investigation into Death of British Aid Worker in Gaza”