Syrian territorial sovereignty challenged as Israeli patrols push into Quneitra region
Israel has been accused of violating Syria's sovereignty in the Quneitra region following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024. Since December 8, 2024, Israeli forces have been reported to have conducted multiple incursions into towns in northern and southern Quneitra, including Turnejeh, Hader, Kudna, Ain Ziwan, Samdaniya, and Taranja.
According to reports by Syrian state-run Alikhbaria Syria TV, Israeli occupation forces entered the towns of Turnejeh, north of Quneitra, and Hader in the northern countryside. The patrols continued towards the town squares of Turnejeh and Hader. However, the details about the actions taken by the Israeli occupation forces in these towns are not specified.
Similarly, the Israeli military convoy moved from Tel al-Ahmar al-Gharbi towards the outskirts of the village of Al-Asbah in the southern Quneitra countryside. The details about the actions taken by the military convoy in Al-Asbah are not specified in the report.
These incursions have involved entering towns, setting up temporary checkpoints, firing on motorcycles, searching homes, detaining and assaulting civilians, and arresting residents. No large-scale casualties have been reported in some raids, but the actions are widely condemned by Syrian authorities as violations of international law and national sovereignty.
In addition to these incursions, Israel has expanded its occupation of the demilitarized buffer zone in the Syrian Golan Heights and conducted hundreds of airstrikes targeting Syrian military sites since the regime collapse. These airstrikes, which included fighter jets, missile systems, and air defense installations, were reported across Syria, although specific sources are not provided.
This escalation of Israeli military activity has contributed to regional instability and raised international alarm. The incidents in Quneitra are not the first time Israel has been accused of violating Syria's sovereignty. In 1974, Israel seized the demilitarized buffer zone, a move that violated the disengagement agreement with Syria.
[1] Syrian state-run Alikhbaria Syria TV report, date unspecified [2] Al-Mayadeen News, "Israeli Occupation Forces Enter Syrian Territory in Quneitra," December 8, 2024 [3] Middle East Monitor, "Israeli Forces Arrest Several Syrian Residents in Quneitra," December 9, 2024 [4] Sputnik News, "Israeli Airstrikes Target Syrian Military Sites Across Country," December 10, 2024 [5] Reuters, "Israeli Incursions into Syrian Territory Spark International Concern," December 11, 2024
Turkish officials have expressed concern over the escalating conflict in the Quneitra region of Syria, highlighting the potential impact on regional politics and general news. The Turkish foreign ministry has issued a statement criticizing Israeli actions, calling for respect of Syrian sovereignty and a de-escalation of war-and-conflicts in the area. Moreover, Turkish NGOs have been providing aid to Syrian refugees displaced by the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the humanitarian implications of the turmoil in Syria.
