DAMASCUS, SYRIA - JULY 16, 2025: Thousands gathered in Damascus and other Syrian cities on Wednesday, July 16, to protest recent Israeli airstrikes on the capital and surrounding areas. The demonstration in Damascus took place at the Khalid bin Walid junction following Israeli strikes that targeted the Syrian General Staff building and sites near the presidential compound. Protesters condemned the attacks and expressed opposition to foreign intervention in Syria. Similar demonstrations were held in Hama, Homs, and Aleppo. On Wednesday, Israeli warplanes launched attacks on Damascus, targeting the Defense Ministry and areas near the presidential palace. The strikes followed renewed Israeli operations in Suwayda province, where the army warned of continued attacks unless Syrian forces withdrew. The Syrian military had entered the area to restore order after deadly clashes between armed Druze and Bedouin groups that left at least 30 people dead. The Israeli army has claimed the operations aim to protect the Druze minority. Writing by Aleyna Cil