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The Syrian defence ministry said seven people, including women and children, were killed in an Israeli air strike on a residential building in Damascus on Tuesday.

"The Israeli enemy launched an aerial aggression... targeting a residential and commercial building in the densely populated Mazzeh neighbourhood of Damascus killing seven civilians, including children and women," the ministry said.

It said the toll was preliminary as rescuers were still searching for survivors under the rubble.

Syria state media also said, citing a source, that the airstrike was conducted through three missiles coming from the direction of the Golan heights.

Reports in local media said the strike caused widespread destruction in the neighbourhood, which was said to be busy at the time of the attack.

Earlier today, Syria’s official SANA news agency said there was an attack on the area which is home to security headquarters and embassies.

Other reports stated that Syria’s air defences had intercepted "hostile" targets in the vicinity of Damascus.

Israel has increased strikes on Syria since the start of its war on Gaza in October 2023.