The Israeli occupation forces continue to expand their illegal presence in Syria, marked by incursions, violence against civilians, and territorial seizures. On Wednesday, Israeli forces withdrew from the town of Suwaysa in Quneitra Governorate following a popular demonstration demanding their exit. The withdrawal came hours after their incursion into the town, during which Israeli forces opened fire on demonstrators, injuring three civilians, according to a Syria TV correspondent.
IDF Attack Civilians
The incursion into Suwaysa, located three kilometers from the ceasefire line, saw Israeli forces imposing a curfew and ordering residents to vacate their homes via loudspeakers. Local sources reported Israeli army demanded that residents hand over any weapons in their possession.
The demonstration that followed the incursion underscores growing resistance to the Israeli occupation in southern Syria. The Israeli withdrawal, however, did not occur without violence, as live ammunition was used against demonstrators.
Expanding Occupation & Escalating Violence
Recent days have seen an escalation in Israeli incursions across southern Syria. Last Friday, Israeli forces occupied the villages of Jamla and Maaraba in the Yarmouk Basin in Daraa Governorate, where live ammunition was fired at demonstrators, injuring one. On Saturday, the Israeli army arrested two individuals in Jaba in the Quneitra countryside before withdrawing, and on Sunday, they entered the city of Al-Baath in Quneitra.
These incursions are part of a pattern of aggression and expansion by Israeli forces following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on December 8, 2024. The occupation has intensified attacks on military infrastructure and civilian areas, while extending control over parts of the Golan Heights, including Sheikh Summit.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Israeli army to maintain its presence in the Syrian Hermon area and buffer zone until at least the end of 2025. Israeli Army Radio reported these instructions, signaling a long-term strategy to solidify the occupation of Syrian territories.
International Condemnation & Syrian Resistance
The ongoing Israeli occupation and attacks have drawn widespread condemnation from the Syrian people and international observers. Demonstrations like the one in Suwaysa highlight the resilience and resistance of Syrians against the illegal occupation of their land. Despite the former Assad regime’s complacency or Israel’s continued efforts to expand its control and destabilize the region, Syrians remain steadfast in their demand for sovereignty and the cessation of Israeli aggression. The situation underscores the urgent need for international intervention to uphold Syria’s territorial integrity and protect its civilians from further harm.
