Israel Strikes Syria After Druze Clashes, Assad Ousted

Israel launched airstrikes across Syria, targeting areas near Damascus' presidential palace as well as in Hama and Deraa provinces, following deadly sectarian clashes involving the Druze minority. At least one civilian was killed and several others wounded in the strikes, which Israeli officials described as a warning to Syria's new Islamist-led authorities and a move to deter threats against the Druze community. Israel also vowed to prevent Syrian forces from deploying south of Damascus and evacuated wounded Syrian Druze to hospitals. The escalation follows the ousting of Bashar al-Assad and the rise of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, whom Israel openly distrusts, demanding demilitarization of southern Syria. Syrian officials condemned the airstrikes as a 'dangerous escalation' and violation of sovereignty. The UN and US expressed concern, urging protection for minorities and accountability for violence.