Fri May 02 03:01:18 UTC 2025: ## Israel Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace After Clashes
**Damascus, Syria –** Israel launched an airstrike near the Syrian presidential palace early Friday morning, following days of intense clashes between pro-government forces and Druze fighters near Damascus. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating that fighter jets targeted an area adjacent to President Hussein al-Sharaa’s palace, though it offered no further details. The strike came hours after Israel warned Syrian authorities against advancing on Druze villages in southern Syria.
Syrian state media reported that the strike hit near the People’s Palace overlooking the city. The clashes between pro-government gunmen and Druze militants resulted in numerous casualties, with reports of dozens killed or wounded. The Druze, a minority religious sect, are concentrated in southern Syria and some Damascus suburbs. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the complex dynamics between Syria, Israel, and minority groups within Syria.
First Piper 