Israeli Forces Conduct New Raids in Quneitra, Syria, and Set Up Checkpoints
The ongoing tensions in the Golan Heights continue to escalate, drawing attention to the complex interplay of sovereignty and military action in the region. The Israeli military’s recent incursions into southern Syria not only exacerbate long-standing grievances but also highlight the struggles faced by civilians caught in the crossfire. This situation underscores the critical need for diplomatic resolutions to foster stability and peace, particularly as regional actors navigate their relationships amid growing tensions.
Israeli forces have advanced into the Quneitra area of Syria’s occupied Golan Heights, establishing two military checkpoints, according to reports from ZezapTV. This military operation, which took place on Saturday in the villages of Ain Ziwan and al-Ajraf in southern Syria, reflects a pattern of near-daily incursions in the region by the Israeli military.
For months, the Israeli presence in southern Syria has sparked public unrest and growing frustration among residents. The military has reportedly conducted routine arrests, erected checkpoints, and bulldozed land, leading to increased tensions. Syrian state television has characterized these actions as violations of national sovereignty, specifically noting that five military vehicles were utilized to establish a checkpoint in Ain Ziwan.
The latest operation took place shortly after Israeli forces advanced toward several towns, including al-Asha, Bir Ajam, and Bariqa, in the southern Quneitra countryside. In response to these incursions, dozens of Syrians protested in the city of al-Salam, expressing their outrage against repeated Israeli violations of their territory and homes. This demonstration, organized by a group identifying as “Syrians with Palestine,” featured banners condemning Israeli attacks.
Despite a decrease in direct military threats, the Israeli military has maintained a strategy of carrying out air raids, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to Syrian army infrastructure. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED), Israel has engaged in over 600 air, drone, or artillery attacks throughout Syria in the past year, averaging nearly two assaults each day.
Since the removal of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israeli military incursions have become increasingly bold and brutal. Following this political shift, Israel declared the 1974 Disengagement Agreement—originally established to maintain a UN-buffered zone in the Golan Heights—null and void. Israel claims the accord is no longer applicable due to al-Assad’s ousting, leading to deeper military penetration into Syrian territory.
In recent remarks, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa indicated that Israel has conducted more than 1,000 air attacks and over 400 ground incursions since al-Assad’s fall, deeming these actions as highly dangerous. Many Syrians believe that continued Israeli aggression undermines efforts to restore stability and improve economic conditions in the region.
Currently, negotiations are underway between Syria and Israel, aiming to secure an end to the air raids and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Syria. The United States is also reportedly facilitating diplomatic efforts to reinforce the terms of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, in hopes of fostering a safer and more stable environment in the region.
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