The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, conveyed his opposition to Israel's strikes during a phone call with his Syrian counterpart, emphasizing the need to avoid actions that could further escalate the "current explosive situation."

Israel's military has justified its series of airstrikes on military targets in Syria as a response to multiple incidents of rocket and shell attacks on Golan Heights communities over recent weeks. However, Russia has criticized Israel for disregarding the Syrian fire that preceded these strikes.

The concern of a broader regional conflict has significantly increased following an incident on October 7. At that time, approximately 2,500 Hamas terrorists breached the Gaza border, wreaking havoc and carrying out acts of violence in southern Israel, including an attack on a desert music festival. Tragically, this assault resulted in the loss of at least 1,400 lives, the majority of whom were innocent civilians. On that day, Hamas also kidnapped 245 civilians and soldiers, with four individuals subsequently released by Hamas and one rescued by security forces.

In response to the border breach by Hamas, Israel has launched intense airstrikes on Gaza and initiated a gradually expanding ground operation, with the aim of eradicating the terrorist group that governs the strip.

Russia, as a principal military and political supporter of Syria, has firmly denounced any escalation of the armed conflict in Syria or surrounding countries. In a readout of Lavrov's conversation with Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated, "The spread of the armed escalation to Syria and other countries of the region is impermissible. In that regard, [Lavrov] noted the unacceptability of Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, which have become more frequent against the backdrop of events in the Gaza Strip."

The Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.

As tensions intensify and concerns grow regarding the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia's firm stance against the Israeli airstrikes on Syria highlights the potential for a broader regional crisis. With Moscow serving as a crucial ally to Syria, the international community will be closely watching for any diplomatic or military developments aimed at de-escalating the situation and preventing further violence in the region.