Syria’s foreign minister has strongly criticized recent Israeli airstrikes, saying the attacks left the country “stunned” and made the path toward normalization with other nations more difficult. The comments highlight how regional tensions remain high and show the challenges of building peace in the Middle East.

The Strikes

According to Syrian officials, Israeli warplanes carried out strikes targeting areas around the capital Damascus and other locations. The strikes damaged military facilities and infrastructure, though exact details have not been released publicly. Israel has not officially commented, but it often justifies such actions by saying they are aimed at preventing weapons transfers to groups hostile to Israel.

Witnesses reported loud explosions shaking parts of Damascus late at night. Videos shared on social media showed flames rising from buildings and sirens echoing through the streets. For many Syrians, the strikes added to an already heavy burden after years of conflict.

Syria’s Reaction

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said the attacks were a shock. He described them as unjustified aggression that violates Syria’s sovereignty. Mekdad also warned that these actions make it much harder for Syria to move toward normal diplomatic relations with neighboring and Western countries.

“We were stunned by the scale and intensity of the strikes,” he said, adding that rebuilding trust with the international community becomes even more difficult when foreign powers carry out attacks on Syrian soil.

Normalization Efforts at Risk

In recent years, some Arab states have begun restoring relations with Syria after more than a decade of isolation caused by the civil war. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Jordan have reopened embassies, and discussions about Syria’s return to regional organizations have started.

However, Mekdad said Israeli strikes threaten to undo that progress. He argued that Syria cannot pursue normalization while facing constant military pressure and instability. He also accused Israel of trying to disrupt Syria’s regional reintegration.

Regional Tensions

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria over the past decade, mostly targeting Iranian-linked groups and Hezbollah fighters who operate there. Israel views their presence as a direct security threat.

Syria, however, insists that such actions are illegal and escalate tensions. The strikes come at a time when the wider Middle East is already facing instability, from conflicts in Gaza to political divisions across the region.

International Responses

While Syria condemned the strikes, global reactions have been mixed. Some countries expressed concern about the rising tensions but stopped short of directly criticizing Israel. Others reiterated calls for restraint and for all parties to avoid actions that could lead to wider conflict.

Human rights organizations also voiced concern, saying civilians often bear the greatest risk when airstrikes hit populated areas.

Conclusion

The latest Israeli strikes in Syria have not only caused physical damage but also dealt a blow to diplomatic efforts aimed at normalizing Syria’s international standing. With the Syrian foreign minister saying the country was left “stunned,” the path toward reconciliation now seems harder. As tensions continue, both Syrians and the wider region face uncertainty about whether peace and stability can be achieved.