Syria slams new Israeli incursion in southern Daraa province

Syria has strongly condemned a recent Israeli incursion into the southern Daraa province, marking another escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The incident occurred in the village of Abidin within the Yarmuk Basin, where Israeli forces reportedly advanced into the area, prompting local residents to attempt to block their path with stones. According to reports from both state media and local officials, Israeli forces retaliated with artillery fire, forcing residents to temporarily flee their homes. This latest confrontation adds to a growing pattern of Israeli military activity in the region, raising concerns about the stability of the area.

The situation unfolded over the weekend, with tensions rising in Abidin as Israeli troops entered the village. Local authorities and witnesses described how residents attempted to prevent the incursion by blocking roads, but the Israeli forces responded with shelling, leading to a mass exodus of civilians. A local official, Mahmoud Mowaffaq, confirmed that the shelling forced families to seek shelter in neighboring villages overnight. He noted that the Israeli forces eventually withdrew, allowing residents to return to their homes by Monday morning. An AFP photographer documented one resident examining an unexploded artillery shell near his residence, highlighting the immediate danger posed by these incidents.

This incident is not isolated; according to the local organization Sijil, which monitors Israeli operations in Syria, Israeli forces have conducted approximately 300 such operations or “violations” in the Daraa and Quneitra provinces this month alone. These include 70 incursions and 28 raids, with some instances involving the detention of local residents. Such frequent incursions underscore the increasing militarization of the region and raise serious questions about the legality and intent behind these actions, particularly given the ongoing political changes in Syria following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Since then, Israel has stationed troops in a UN-patrolled buffer zone along the Golan Heights, which it now refers to as a “security zone.” This move comes amid Israel’s broader strategy to establish a demilitarized zone in southern Syria, a goal it has reiterated multiple times. Despite the heightened tensions, diplomatic efforts have continued, with Israel and Syria’s new authorities engaging in direct talks aimed at reaching a security agreement. Both sides have also agreed to implement an intelligence-sharing mechanism, indicating a tentative willingness to cooperate despite the hostilities.

The Israeli military has claimed responsibility for eliminating “several armed terrorists” in the so-called security zone, though specific details remain scarce. Defense Minister Israel Katz has publicly stated that Israel intends to maintain its presence in Syria indefinitely, similar to its positions in Lebanon and Gaza. This assertion reflects a long-term strategic vision for the region, even as it continues to provoke local populations and international scrutiny.

Historically, Israel occupied most of the Golan Heights during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and later annexed the territories, a decision widely rejected by the international community. The current situation echoes past conflicts, with Israel asserting control over disputed land while Syria seeks to reclaim its sovereignty. As the conflict evolves, the implications for regional stability and international relations remain significant, with the potential for further escalations unless diplomatic channels continue to yield tangible results.