Israeli forces have advanced into Syria’s Quneitra area, part of the occupied Golan Heights, and establishing two military checkpoints. This latest incursion has sparked concerns and protests among locals, who view it as a blatant violation of Syrian sovereignty.
The Israeli military operation involved seven military vehicles entering Al-Mushairfa village, while another force set up a temporary checkpoint on the road linking Al-Samdaneyah and Al-Ajraf in Quneitra. This isn’t an isolated incident; Israeli forces have been conducting near-daily incursions into southern Syria, particularly in the Quneitra governorate.
Public Anger
These actions have prompted growing public anger and unrest, with dozens of Syrians protesting in the city of al-Salam, Quneitra Governorate, condemning the ongoing Israeli attacks on residents and property. The demonstrators, part of a group called “Syrians with Palestine,” held banners denouncing Israeli violations of Syrian lands.
The Israeli military has been escalating its presence in the region, with over 600 air, drone, or artillery attacks across Syria in the past year, averaging nearly two attacks a day. This has led to concerns that the situation could spiral out of control.
The Quneitra area has become a hotspot for Israeli military activity, with troops setting up checkpoints and conducting searches. Locals are worried about the impact on their daily lives and the stability of the region.
The Syrian government has condemned these actions, stating they undermine efforts to restore stability and hamper government plans to attract investment and improve economic conditions. Damascus and Tel Aviv are engaged in negotiations toward a potential security agreement, but Syria has conditioned any deal on restoring conditions on the ground to what they were before December 8, 2024.
The Israeli occupation of the Golan Heights, which began in 1967, remains a contentious issue.
The recent protests in Quneitra reflect the growing frustration among Syrians, who feel their territory is being repeatedly violated.
Syria’s Distraction
Israeli forces have also been accused of bulldozing land, carrying out arrests, and erecting checkpoints, all of which have prompted growing public anger and unrest. The Syrian government has accused Israel of “exporting crises” across the region.
The US has been pushing diplomatic efforts to restore the 1974 deal, but the situation remains tense. The Israeli military has become more brazen, frequent, and violent since expanding its occupation of southern Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
The Quneitra governorate has seen significant Israeli military activity, with troops advancing into villages and setting up checkpoints. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has documented these incidents, highlighting the escalating tensions.
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