Israel’s airstrikes on Damascus have disrupted Syria’s efforts to search for and destroy its chemical weapons stockpiles. According to a Syrian government adviser, the attacks have forced the Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to postpone a planned inspection visit. The OPCW is set to hold an emergency meeting next week due to concerns raised by Qatar, which represents Syria’s interests at the organization.
The airstrikes damaged part of the defence ministry and hit near the presidential palace in Damascus. However, Syria had previously provided the necessary infrastructure for OPCW inspectors to visit chemical weapon production and storage locations. The Syrian government has vowed to eliminate its chemical arsenal.
The OPCW is a treaty-based agency tasked with implementing the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention. Its meeting next week will focus on the situation in Syria and the impact of Israel’s actions on inspections.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/israels-attacks-damascus-hinder-chemical-weapons-search-syrian-official-says-2025-07-17