Airstrikes, International Condemnation, and Regional Instability

Following Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, Syria, on July 16, 2025, China expressed its stance on the situation. China called for respect for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could escalate tensions in the already turbulent Middle East.

Syria's interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, stated that protecting Druze citizens and their rights was a priority. He accused Israel of consistently undermining Syrian stability and attempting to incite internal conflict. He also accused Israel of aiming to destabilize Syria.

A renewed ceasefire was announced by Syrian government officials and Druze leaders after the airstrikes. Reports indicated that Syrian government forces had withdrawn from areas in the heartland of the Druze minority in southern Syria. Responsibility for security in Sweida was to be handed over to religious elders and local factions.

The Druze community, with a significant presence in both Israel and Syria, has been a focal point of the recent escalation. The conflict began with tit-for-tat attacks between local Sunni Bedouin tribes and Druze armed factions. Israel's strikes were described as the most serious escalation since December 2024.

Israel seeks to expand its influence in southern Syria, viewing the Druze as a potential ally. The Syrian army's advance undermines this and risks bringing armed forces closer to Israel's southern border, which Israel finds unacceptable. Israel's airstrikes are seen as a continuation of its "maximum operations" strategy, aiming to restore deterrence.

The recent strikes may mark the beginning of a broader campaign. Israel may support minority or sectarian groups in Syria, providing training and arms to build a controllable force. This strategy aims to expand strategic depth and reshape the regional order in Israel's favor.

The violence in Syria poses a serious threat to efforts by Syria's new rulers to consolidate control. The current situation may raise security risks, including renewed civil war, the resurgence of armed groups, and deeper national fragmentation.

The UN Secretary-General condemned the escalation of violence and the Israeli airstrikes. Several Arab states, including Lebanon, Iraq, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, and Kuwait, have also condemned the Israeli strikes. Turkey described the strikes as an act of sabotage.

The US expressed concern about the violence. The US aims to avoid deeper entanglement in regional conflicts, yet repeatedly ends up passively endorsing Israel's aggressive actions. This effectively gives Israel a "blank security check."

Israel's reliance on force is a key source of regional unrest. The regional order is already shattered by recent conflicts. This may worsen humanitarian crises and further erode the UN Charter's principle of sovereignty.