Rebels are advancing towards Syria’s capital as a year-long conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate. The Israel-Gaza war, which began on October 7, has caused widespread destruction and displacement in the region.
The war started with an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking civilian hostages. In response, Israel launched a ground invasion that displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
A fragile cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah was reached in November, but tensions remain high. The conflict has been marked by intense airstrikes, which have killed over 1,400 people, including Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah.
The Gaza Strip has borne the brunt of the conflict, with tens of thousands killed and half of the population struggling to access basic necessities. The US has supported Israel throughout the crisis, providing weapons, funds, and aid packages despite tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some US politicians.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/21/syria-rebels-assad-iran-turkey