CPC Update July 23, 2025: Israel-Syria Escalation; Starvation in Gaza; Israeli Knesset Resolution

This week in the Middle East was marked by Israel’s intervention in Syria against the backdrop of the ever-worsening situation in Gaza. The Israeli Knesset also notably passed a resolution declaring Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank.

Violence had erupted last week in the Syrian province of Suwayda between Druze and Bedouins, with both groups retaliating against each other for what they accused were atrocities coming from the other side. The Syrian government had intervened and appeared to side with the Bedouins, committing atrocities of their own against the Druze population.

Israel generally sees the Druze as allies. The Druze population within Israel is loyal to the country, serving in the army at very high rates. Israel intervened in Syria with airstrikes against government forces and military infrastructure in Suwayda and Damascus, justifying it by claiming they were trying to protect the Druze from further persecution. It is probable, however, that Israel’s goals were more than humanitarian. Israel has consistently demanded that Suwayda and other Southern Syrian provinces remain demilitarized for Israeli security. This was likely another motivation for the intervention.

The escalation between Israel and Syria’s new government, led by President al-Sharaa, makes the future of their relationship uncertain. They have a common adversary in Iran and its proxies, and there have been reports of limited, indirect talks between the two parties. However, the status of the Golan Heights and this most recent Israeli intervention makes normalization highly unlikely at this juncture.

On Saturday, the Syrian government announced a ceasefire in Suwayda between the Druze and the Bedouins. Talks between Israel and Syria regarding security matters have resumed, deescalating the situation for now.

Meanwhile, the misery in Gaza only grows. Starvation appeared to have intensified this week. Since October 7th, at least 111 Gazans have died from hunger-related causes. 43 of these deaths have occurred within the last few days, indicating a rapid acceleration. Dozens more Gazans looking for aid were gunned down by the IDF this week, bringing the death toll of Gazans at aid sites to at least 1,000 since May.

This Wednesday, the Israeli Knesset voted on a declaratory resolution calling on the cabinet to fully apply Israel sovereignty across the West Bank. The vote passed by 71 votes to 13. Although the resolution has no legislative consequences and is purely symbolic, it largely aligns with what many see as the goal of the current Israeli government: to annex the West Bank.