A series of airstrikes has hit the Syrian capital Damascus, with Syrian state media blaming Israel. One video from a Syrian television channel shows the Ministry of Defense building being hit live on air, forcing the anchor to take cover. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz shared the footage, saying “the painful blows have begun.”

Israel launched powerful airstrikes in Damascus on Wednesday, damaging the defence ministry and hitting near the presidential palace as it vowed to destroy Syrian government forces attacking Druze communities in southern Syria and demanded they withdraw.

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a boiling point. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly ordered the "elimination" of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, following an explosive statement by Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli.

Bodies were brought to a hospital in Gaza City after the latest Israeli strikes on the area killed 22 people, including 11 children and three women, according to health officials.

Deadly Israeli airstrikes have struck Gaza again, killing dozens including many civilians, as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas unravel. Despite international efforts to broker peace, both sides remain entrenched,

Syrian forces had deployed in the southern city of Sweida, despite Israeli warnings, trying to contain clashes between members of the Druze minority and Bedouin.