Several Arab countries have strongly condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, which targeted key sites linked to Syria’s Interior and Defence Ministries, resulting in the deaths of Syrian military personnel and internal security forces. The escalation coincides with ongoing clashes in the southern province of Suwayda between Syrian government troops and local Druze factions.

Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on July 16, denouncing “repeated Israeli violations against Syrian and Lebanese sovereignty,” warning that these actions “deepen regional tensions” and serve as “a destabilising factor” in both Syria and Lebanon. The statement affirmed Cairo’s support for ongoing regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalation and bolstering regional stability.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufyan Qudah also called for an immediate halt to the strikes, voicing Amman’s solidarity with Syria’s sovereignty, stability, and territorial integrity, according to the official Petra News Agency.

Iraq expressed concern over the rising violence and urged all Syrian parties to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue. The Iraqi Foreign Ministry stressed that continuing hostilities would only increase civilian suffering and hinder peace efforts.

Lebanon strongly condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, calling them a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. The Lebanese Foreign Ministry urged the international community to intervene and prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, Qatar and Kuwait condemned the Israeli strikes, labelling them as clear violations of international law and the UN Charter. Saudi Arabia also issued a statement denouncing the attacks, calling them breaches of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Syria and Israel.

The UAE strongly condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria, describing them as "a blatant breach of international law and a threat to regional security."

Oman and Bahrain strongly condemned the Israeli attacks, denouncing them as a blatant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and international law.

Despite reports that Israel had assured the US it would halt operations against Syrian forces in Suwayda on July 15, Israeli strikes resumed the next day. According to state’s news agency SANA, Israeli warplanes targeted Syria’s General Staff headquarters in Damascus and a site near the presidential palace.

Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee confirmed the attack in a post on X, stating that the army struck “the entrance gate to the Syrian regime's General Staff compound in Damascus.” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that unless Syrian forces withdraw from Suwayda, “Israeli escalation will continue.”

He added, “Israel will not abandon the Druze in Syria,” and that the military is enforcing a disarmament policy already in place.

Katz further noted that the IDF would intensify its operations if the Syrian regime failed to comply, saying, “The level of response will increase soon if the message is not understood.”

Fighting in Suwayda has continued for the third day, with dozens killed on both sides. Five shells hit the city’s National Hospital and came under heavy gunfire on July 16, rendering its emergency department inoperative.

Osama Qandilft, Director of Health in Suwayda, described the medical situation as “catastrophic,” citing a severe shortage of staff and supplies. Reports later suggested that several hospital staff were killed in the attacks.