Recent strikes in a Damascus suburb have resulted in civilian casualties and damage near the city’s diplomatic missions
People gather in front of a residential building destroyed in Israeli airstrikes in the Mazzeh neighborhood of Damascus, Syria, on Nov. 14, 2024. © Global Look Press/Ammar Safarjalani The South African government has condemned “ongoing acts of aggression” by Israel against Syria and expressed strong disapproval following recent attacks in the Mazzeh district of Damascus. In its press statement on Saturday, Pretoria singled out an attack that occurred on Thursday in an area close to the South African Embassy, other diplomatic missions, and United Nations offices. According to Syrian state media, Israel carried out strikes against Damascus’ suburbs for two days in a row. On Thursday, fifteen people were reportedly killed in the attacks on residential buildings in Mazzeh and nearby Qudsaya. Israel said it had targeted military sites and the headquarters of Islamic Jihad.
The South African government extended its condolences to the Syrian government and the families affected by the attacks. In a statement, officials emphasized that such actions represent a blatant disregard for international law and the sovereignty of Syria. They expressed concerns over the ongoing aggression, which they believe undermines both regional and international peace and security. South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation called on the United Nations to hold accountable those responsible for the violations under the principles outlined in the UN Charter. Israel has conducted strikes on what it believes to be Iran-affiliated targets in Syria for several years, but intensified the operations following the October 7, 2022 raid by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel. The assault triggered an invasion of Gaza by the Israel Defense Forces.
