Israeli airstrikes in Syria meant to 'convey a message' to Turkey, source tells 'Post'

The recent airstrikes in Syria are to “convey a message to Turkey,” an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday.

“Do not establish a military base in the Syria and do not interfere with Israeli activity in the country's skies,” was the message according to the official.

The strikes targeted the vicinity of Hama, as well as the scientific research building in the Syrian neighborhood Barzeh in the capital Damascus, the IDF confirmed on Wednesday.

Israel spent years carrying out airstrikes on Syria during former President Bashar al-Assad's rule, targeting what they said were Iran-linked military installations and weapons transfers from Tehran intended for the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

The Israeli air force reportedly targeted infrastructure and weapons remaining from Assad's army, according to Israeli media.

Turkish opposition to Israel's expansion of Gaza operation

Turkey recently slammed Israel over its announcement of a major expansion to its military operation in Gaza, saying the move marked a manifestation of what it called Israel's illegal approach detached from the pursuit of peace.

In a statement, Turkey's foreign ministry said statements on expanding operations in Gaza and settlement expansion in the Israeli-occupied West Bank marked "yet another demonstration of Israel's blatant disregard for international law and its complete detachment from the pursuit of peace."

It called on the international community to take a stance to protect holy sites, prevent provocations and halt Israel's efforts to expand its territory through occupation.