Israel Strikes Syria; Druze Crossings and Tensions Rise

Israel launched airstrikes on Syrian government targets, including areas near the presidential palace in Damascus, following deadly clashes among government forces, Druze militias, and Bedouin clans in southern Syria. Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa vowed to protect Druze citizens and announced that local leaders would assume security control in Suwayda to curb sectarian violence. Israel has paused its strikes but warned of further action if provoked, while tensions remain high. The violence triggered mass crossings of Druze between Israel and Syria, prompting the IDF to intervene and return individuals to their respective territories. International reactions were mixed, with Oman condemning Israel's actions and former Lebanese minister Nasser Saidi warning of regional destabilization. The U.S. expressed concern about the escalation and its potential to spark broader conflict.