The situation in Quneitra reflects ongoing tensions between Israel and Syria, particularly in the context of the Golan Heights, which remains a contentious area following the Syrian civil war.
The actions of the Israeli military raise questions about the enforcement and relevance of international agreements, such as the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, in the current geopolitical climate.
The targeting of civilians, especially vulnerable populations like women and children, highlights the humanitarian implications of military operations in conflict zones.
If the current trend continues, we may see increased calls for international intervention to uphold the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and protect the rights of civilians in the Golan Heights.
The situation could escalate further if Israel continues to expand its military operations in southern Syria, potentially leading to more significant confrontations between Israeli forces and Syrian residents.
The Israeli army has conducted operations in the Quneitra region of southern Syria, specifically targeting the town of Rasm al-Rawadhi. Reports indicate that residents, predominantly women and children, were expelled from their homes and detained for several hours in a local school. During this time, Israeli forces confiscated their mobile phones and personal identification cards, further escalating tensions in the area. After the detainment, residents were released, but their belongings remained confiscated, prompting appeals to the international community for intervention against these actions, which are seen as violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel, a treaty overseen by the United Nations.
Local sources have highlighted that these operations are part of a broader pattern of Israeli military activity in the Golan Heights, particularly following the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration of the disengagement agreement as void has led to increased military presence and operations in the region, including incursions into the buffer zone that separates Israeli-occupied territory from the rest of Syria. This has resulted in heightened military activity, including the besiegement of villages and restrictions on the movement of local residents.
