Three killed in Israeli airstrikes on Syrian city of Daraa

Syria experienced a tragic incident when Israeli airstrikes targeted the southwestern city of Daraa, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals. These strikes occurred on March 17, 2025, marking a significant violation, according to Syria's foreign ministry. The timing coincided with the commemoration of the 14th anniversary of the initial shooting that triggered the uprising against Bashar Assad’s regime in 2011. Crowds gathered in Daraa, both for remembrance and to express solidarity with other conflict-affected regions such as Gaza, chanting messages of support during this tense occasion. In the aftermath of the airstrike, Syria's Civil Defense reported that numerous civilians were wounded, including children and women, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of such acts of aggression. Local witnesses recounted the panic experienced as the community reacted to the explosions, with one shop owner expressing relief that his property was the only loss sustained. Dr. Nizar Rashdan, the director of Daraa General Hospital, confirmed the casualty figures and the extent of injuries, painting a grim picture of the health crisis following the strike. This airstrike targeted an abandoned military site, demonstrating ongoing military tensions in the region. The Israeli military justified these actions by claiming the targets included command centers and military assets associated with the remnants of the old Syrian regime, which they allege are being repurposed by current forces. It is clear that this airstrike is part of a broader pattern of military interventions that Israel undertakes in Syria, claiming to protect its interests against Iranian entrenchment and the potential resurgence of threats against its national security. The situation in Syria remains complicated, with various factions vying for control and significant humanitarian challenges persisting amid ongoing conflict. The community's response during the funeral on March 18 reflected their anguish and anger, as attendees mourned the loss amidst political commentary, merging grief with a call for action against both Israeli and Syrian leadership. The funeral itself served as a venue for political statements, indicating that the context of violence cannot be separated from the collective memory of oppression and resistance that has defined Daraa since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War. This tragic event emphasizes the ongoing volatility in the region and raises questions about how ceasefire efforts and peace negotiations can ever gain traction in such a fraught security environment.