The United Nations has condemned an intense wave of Israeli airstrikes on Syria 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.

Israel's PM says it will "not allow any threat" to the minority in Syria after sectarian clashes in which dozens were killed.

Fresh overnight strikes were reported, coming as Israel has repeatedly said its forces were ready to protect the Druze minority, following sectarian clashes that a war monitor said killed 119 people,