Israeli raids and detentions in southern Syria deepen civilian hardship
Israeli forces have intensified checkpoints, raids and artillery fire in southern Syria, detaining dozens of Syrians without charge and disrupting daily life.
In southern Syria, Israeli troops have established roadblocks and conducted night raids that have resulted in the arbitrary arrest of dozens of civilians, including Ahmed and Mahmoud, who describe severe beatings and prolonged handcuffing. Over 51 Syrians are still held in Israeli detention centers such as Ofer, al-Jalama and Megiddo, with only a few releases reported. Since early August, artillery shells have struck fields daily, destroying crops, livestock and solar panels, while residents live under the constant noise of drones and low-flying warplanes.
The Sijil Center documented 280 violations of the 1974 cease-fire agreement, and UNDOF patrols are often prevented from moving freely by Israeli checkpoints. Local families, lacking state assistance, have formed WhatsApp groups to share news of arrests and releases, while protests grow over the inability of the Syrian government to protect its citizens.
Why it matters
The ongoing Israeli operations cripple civilian life in southern Syria and raise serious human-rights concerns.
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