Israeli airstrikes in Syria were intended to ‘send a message’ to Turkey
Observers question why Syria vehemently condemns Israeli actions while remaining conspicuously silent on Turkey’s airstrikes, military operations and deployments within its territory.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Israel’s latest airstrikes in Syria were intended to send a direct warning to Turkey, an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday. The message was clear: "Do not establish a military base in Syria and do not interfere with Israeli activities in Syrian airspace."
The strikes, which targeted military sites near Hama and a scientific research facility in the Barzeh district of Damascus, were confirmed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Israeli sources claim that the air raids also hit remnants of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s military infrastructure, as well as Iran-linked military positions used for arms transfers to Hezbollah.
Syria’s Reaction: Condemnation of Israel, Silence on Turkey
Syria’s Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation of the Israeli airstrikes, labeling them an “unjustified escalation” and a “deliberate attempt to destabilize Syria and prolong the suffering of its people.” According to the statement, Israeli warplanes struck five different locations within 30 minutes, causing near-total destruction of Hama’s military airport and injuring both civilians and military personnel.
Damascus framed the strikes as part of Israel’s long-standing efforts to undermine Syria’s reconstruction after 14 years of war, calling on the international community to pressure Israel into compliance with international law and the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.
meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) confirmed that Israeli airstrikes killed at least nine local fighters who attempted to confront Israeli forces after mosques in Daraa, Southern Syria broadcast calls urging jihad against repeated Israeli incursions into Syrian territory.
Turkey’s Condemnation of Israeli Actions in Gaza
The timing of the airstrikes coincides with heightened tensions between Israel and Turkey over Gaza. Ankara strongly condemned Israel's recent military escalation in the strip, calling it part of a broader campaign of illegal occupation.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry released a statement criticizing Israel's plans to expand settlements in the West Bank and intensify military operations in Gaza, accusing Israel of disregarding international law. The statement urged the global community to “take a stand against Israeli actions,” protect holy sites, and prevent further provocations.
However, observers question why Syria vehemently condemns Israeli actions while remaining conspicuously silent on Turkey’s airstrikes, military operations and deployments within its territory. Despite repeated Turkish airstrikes and the establishment of military outposts on Syrian soil, Damascus has refrained from adopting the same aggressive diplomatic stance it takes toward Israel.
This apparent double standard risks emboldening Ankara. By focusing its diplomatic efforts on Israel while avoiding direct confrontation with Turkey, Syria may inadvertently enable further Turkish expansion into its territory.
