The United Nations special envoy for Syria has condemned an intense wave of Israeli airstrikes as Israel said its forces were on the ground in Syria to protect the Druze minority sect following days of clashes with Syrian pro-government gunmen.

United Nations special envoy Geir Pedersen urged Israel Saturday to halt its attacks on Syria "at once", after it carried out multiple air strikes targeting the Islamist-led authorities following sect

Israel has its own Druze community and has promised to protect the Druze people in Syria. It has also warned Islamist groups to stay away from areas where Druze live.