Spillover of the Gaza war in Syria

The spillover of the Gaza war in Syria refers to the growing impact of fighting between Israel and Hamas in 2023–2024 spreading into Syria. Syria, already weakened by a long civil war since 2011, saw new violence, refugee movements, and military tension linked to the Gaza war. The result has been rising fear of a wider regional conflict.

In October 2023, Hamas launched a large attack on Israel, triggering a major Israeli military operation in Gaza. As Israel fought back, countries that support either side became involved in indirect and direct actions. In Syria, where Iran and its allies have strong influence, events in Gaza added fuel to a region already on edge.

Since late 2023, Israel has carried out many airstrikes inside Syrian territory. These attacks have used military aircraft, drones, and sometimes cruise missiles. Israel targets weapons and infrastructure it connects to groups like Hezbollah and Iran’s military forces based in Syria. Syrian towns, including Damascus and Aleppo, faced strikes destroying buildings and killing soldiers and civilians. These actions also disrupted trade and caused fuel prices to double.

Syria’s existing civil conflict grew more unstable. Russian airstrikes resumed in northwest Syria, and Syrian government forces increased shelling and drone attacks across rebel-held areas. Kurdish-led forces in the northeast also came under attack by both Syrian government and Turkish military action, adding to overall insecurity.

The airstrikes and violence have worsened the crisis in Syria. Hundreds of thousands of people fled from Lebanon into Syria after Israeli strikes, increasing the burden on already fragile communities. Water, fuel, food, schools, and hospitals were disrupted. The UN warned that Syria could become much more dangerous and demanded safe access for humanitarian aid. Mines and unexploded bombs continued to threaten civilians and aid workers alike.

International leaders, including the UN and envoys from China and Turkey, have warned that spillover into Syria is becoming serious and could deepen. The UN urged all parties to stop attacking Syrian territory and to respect ceasefires. Calls were made for emergency humanitarian action and long-term peace efforts. Regional talks in forums like the Astana Process stressed the need to separate the Gaza conflict from Syria's political talks.

Border areas between Syria and Lebanon became tense. The Lebanese military and Hezbollah remained cautious, and some cross-border attacks occurred. In northern Syria, fighting between Syrian government forces and Hezbollah-linked groups, as well as rebel groups, flared. Smuggling routes used by Iran-backed militias also became a point of conflict. These tensions show how the Gaza war is changing Syria’s local power dynamics and alliances.