Mainstream media might keep you in the dark, but here’s something you need to know. A recent Israeli airstrike in Syria caused an explosion so massive that it registered as a 3.0 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale. 

To get a better handle on the magnitude of this explosion, it’s important to refer to the Richter scale, which measures seismic activity. The scale is based on geography, local seismic conditions, and the depth of the hypocenter 

A 3.0 earthquake might not sound like much, but areas near tectonic plate boundaries, like Syria, feel these tremors much more intensely. The destruction caused by Israel’s 10 airstrikes against military targets on Dec. 16 wasn’t just localized, it was so harsh that bordering countries were impacted as well.

The impact of these missile strikes was felt over 500 miles away. For perspective, Salt Lake City is about 500 miles from Fresno.

Even more alarming, some are raising concerns about the potential impact on the Earth’s core after such a violent explosion. This isn’t just war — it’s an assault on the planet itself.

The definition of a crime against humanity is an act committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians. This has left people wondering if this explosion fits the criteria. The civilian toll and psychological scars of such an explosion are undeniable, leaving people to grapple with the aftermath while the world remains silent.  

Why Syria? 

Now, what does Israel want from Syria? One word — control. With the recent collapse of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad’s rule, Israel sees an opportunity to exploit the chaos and weaken Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already instructed the military to stay stationed near Syria’s Mount Hermon for the rest of the year to keep an eye out.

Let’s be honest. History shows that whenever there’s instability in the region, Israel uses it to assert dominance and render its neighbors powerless.

Since Oct. 7, Israel has been responsible for more than 17,000 attacks in the Middle East, targeting countries including Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

The pattern is clear.

Several questions remain: Is this a fair and justifiable act of war, or does it fall into the area of a humanitarian crime? And why do many U.S. social justice activists stay silent while America  continues to support Israel’s death and destruction in the region?