Summary
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel’s airstrikes in Syria, particularly the recent attack near the presidential palace in Damascus, labeling it a violation of Syria’s sovereignty. Guterres expressed concern over civilian violence and sectarian tensions, urging Israel to respect Syria’s territorial integrity and calling for an inclusive political transition in line with UN resolution 2254. The Israeli strike, perceived as provocative amid rising sectarian tensions, aimed to address threats from armed groups near Damascus, coinciding with Druze leaders reaffirming national unity.