Powerful explosions shook the Sayyida Zeinab area in the Damascus countryside, in Syria, and local sources confirmed reports of a violent Israeli bombing that targeted a residential apartment in the area, causing deaths and injuries, in addition to major destruction.
A military source said: “At approximately 00:17 pm today, the Israeli enemy launched an air aggression from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting a residential building in the Sayyida Zeinab area in the Damascus countryside, which led to the martyrdom of seven civilians, including children and women, the wounding of twenty others, and the occurrence of material damage to private property.” “.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Al-Ekhbariya channel explained that “the sounds of explosions heard in the Sayyida Zeinab area resulted from an Israeli aggression that targeted a residential building.”
Activists circulated video clips on social media that they said were from the site of the attack, and the clips showed the effects of destruction in the streets, in addition to a fire breaking out in one of the buildings as a result of the bombing.
Last updated: November 10, 2024 – 18:37
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Interview between the Time.news Editor and Middle East Conflict Expert, Dr. Lina Safar
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Safar. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments in Syria, particularly the Israeli bombing in Sayyida Zeinab. Can you provide us with some context about this area and why it might be targeted?
Dr. Lina Safar: Thank you for having me. Sayyida Zeinab, located in the Damascus countryside, is a significant area for various reasons. It’s known not only for its religious importance—housing the shrine of Sayyida Zeinab—but also as a pivotal point for Iranian and Hezbollah activities. This makes it a potential target for Israeli airstrikes, as Israel frequently aims to disrupt Iranian military entrenchment in Syria.
Time.news Editor: The recent bombing reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children. What implications does this have for the local population and the broader region?
Dr. Lina Safar: Tragically, these strikes often lead to immense loss of innocent lives. The death of seven civilians, as confirmed by local sources, reflects the perilous reality for those living in conflict zones. It heightens the humanitarian crisis in Syria, where many already struggle with displacement, lack of resources, and basic security. On a broader scale, such attacks can escalate tensions not only between Israel and Iran but also among their respective allies, leading to further instability in the region.
Time.news Editor: We’ve seen social media platforms circulating video clips from the scene of the attack. How significant is the role of social media in shaping the narrative during such conflicts?
Dr. Lina Safar: Social media serves as a double-edged sword during conflicts. On one hand, it provides real-time updates and gives a voice to those often unheard in mainstream media. Activists and civilians can share firsthand accounts, images, and videos, which can put pressure on international actors to respond. On the other hand, the information can be unverified or manipulated, leading to misinformation. It’s crucial for viewers to critically assess the content being shared.
Time.news Editor: Given the ongoing and complex dynamics in Syria, what can the international community do in response to incidents like this bombing?
Dr. Lina Safar: The international community needs to prioritize efforts for a ceasefire and re-engage in diplomatic solutions. Humanitarian aid must be increased to assist those affected by such violence, and there should be a unified call for accountability regarding actions that harm civilians. Additionally, mediators must encourage dialogue between Syrian factions, Israel, and Iran to address the underlying issues rather than merely responding to airstrikes with more airstrikes.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Safar, for your insights on this very serious situation. As events continue to unfold in the region, it’s essential we continue to discuss the implications for both the local population and global politics.
Dr. Lina Safar: Absolutely. Thank you for shedding light on these matters, and I hope for a peaceful resolution in the near future.