Israeli airstrikes on military sites in western Syria late Sunday killed 16 people and wounded dozens, marking the deadliest attack since April, amid escalating tensions following recent conflict with Hamas.

The strikes, occurring around 11:20 p.m., specifically targeted military facilities in central Syria, including a research center linked to chemical arms production, leading to significant casualties and condemning responses from both Syrian and Iranian officials. This incident underscores Israel's ongoing military campaign against Iranian-backed positions in Syria, heightened by the recent escalation in violence following the Hamas-led assault on October 7.

The impact of the airstrikes was considerable, with a reported total of 36 individuals wounded, including six in serious condition. Syrian air defenses managed to intercept some of the incoming missiles, potentially mitigating further damage and loss of life.

Among the primary targets of these strikes was a military research center near Masyaf. Some sources alleged that Iranian military experts were present at the facility and were participating in the production of weaponry.

In contrast, a senior regional military source refuted claims about the chemical weapons connection, asserting that the facility is a well-known Syrian research center, thus creating a divergence in narratives surrounding the attack. This discrepancy highlights ongoing tensions regarding military activities and the proliferation of weapons in the region.

The Syrian foreign ministry reacted strongly to the airstrikes, describing the action as 'a blatant aggression' against its sovereignty. It is part of a pattern of past attacks that have often led to increased anger and animosity between Israel and Syria.

The repercussions of the airstrikes extended beyond military targets. Reports indicated that residential areas also suffered material damage, raising concerns about the impact of military actions on civilian life. Additionally, two separate fires were ignited as a result of the strikes, accentuating the destructive fallout of the event.

Iran's foreign minister spokesperson condemned the strikes, calling them a 'criminal attack' on Syrian territory.

This incident follows a marked increase in Israeli operations targeting Iranian-backed sites in Syria. Israel's military campaign has intensified notably since the beginning of October, following the Hamas-led assault on Israel, reflecting the current geopolitical climate and Israel's concerns about Iranian entrenchment in its northern neighbor.

The situation remains tense as the region grapples with the aftermath of these airstrikes. The international community continues to watch closely for further developments, particularly given the historical volatility of Israel-Syria relations and the broader implications for Middle Eastern stability.