Damascus: An airstrike by Israel on the historic Syrian city of Palmyra killed 36 people and injured over 50 on Wednesday, according to Syria’s state news agency, SANA. The attack targeted residential buildings and an industrial zone in the city, causing significant casualties and widespread destruction.
The Israeli military has declined to comment on the incident, as reported by the international news agency Reuters.
“At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, the Israeli enemy launched an air attack from the direction of the al-Tanf area, targeting a number of buildings in the city of Palmyra in the Syrian desert, which led to the martyrdom of 36 people (and) the injury of more than 50 others,” SANA reported, citing a military source.
The agency also noted that the strike caused severe damage to infrastructure in and around the targeted locations.
Broader Context
Israel has conducted numerous strikes on Iranian-linked targets in Syria in recent years, escalating its operations since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. The Israeli military recently confirmed strikes on weapon transfer routes along the Syrian-Lebanese border used by Hezbollah.
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Palmyra, located in Homs province near the Lebanese border, has witnessed multiple Israeli airstrikes in the past week, as reported by Syrian state media. The ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds immense historical significance but has also endured the ravages of conflict. It was seized by Islamic State militants in 2015 and partially destroyed before being reclaimed by Syrian forces.
