Overnight Israeli air raids on Syria have killed at least two civilians as Israel has stated it is carrying out attacks to protect the Druze minority from government violence.

In a series of Israeli air raids on Syria scheduled in the early hours of Saturday, at least two civilians have lost their lives, and eight more were reported injured, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. The Israeli military confirmed their actions targeting military sites, anti-aircraft cannons, and missile infrastructure while asserting that these strikes were meant to protect the Druze minority from government violence. This rationale, however, has been met with skepticism from within the Syrian Druze community who claim they do not need external assistance to manage their issues, notably the strain of violence that erupted in recent days resulting in the deaths of over 100 individuals amidst clashes between pro-government forces and Druze fighters. Reports from Al Jazeera highlight an atmosphere of fear in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana where curfews were implemented following intense fighting, illustrating the fragile security situation in the area. Furthermore, the United Nations' Special Envoy for Syria has condemned Israel's air strikes, labeling them as violations of Syria's sovereignty and calling for an immediate cessation of attacks against the Syrian civilians. These events unfold against a backdrop of heightened tensions from pro-government fighters clashing with Druze groups, often reflecting broader sectarian strife that threatens the stability of the region. Israeli officials assert their military operations are aimed at preventing any threats to Druze villages and have previously committed to not allowing Syrian forces to approach these areas. However, the effectiveness and legality of such interventions are under scrutiny, as growing international condemnation surfaces regarding Israel's military engagements across Syria, particularly within populated civilian areas. Druze community leaders, both in Syria and Israel, have appealed for international help, expressing concerns over their community's safety amidst these ongoing conflicts. The Israeli communication surrounding the need to protect the Druze often sits in stark contrast to allegations of Israel's treatment of Druze communities within its own borders, which includes claims of land dispossession and mistreatment. The duality of Israel acting as both protector and aggressor complicates the narrative and context of these military operations and raises questions about the vulnerability of minority groups caught in geopolitical crosshairs.