Israel continues to carry out daily operations in which ground troops enter the Quneitra and Daraa Governorates in southwest Syria. While their presence is effectively the “new normal” in this part of Syria, in recent weeks there are a growing number of incidents of the troops not just raiding municipalities, but individual homes.
Yesterday, an incident in Saida al-Golan saw Israeli troops enter and search the home of journalist Sanad Ayed al-Hamad, ultimately interrogating him but eventually leaving the area.
The Syrian Journalists’ Union issued a statement in the wake of the incident condemning what happened, saying it amount to an Israeli military attempt to intimidate journalists in the area through arbitrary interrogation, in violation of international norms.
IDF troops operating in Quneitra Governorate | Image from SOHR
The IDF, as often, has not commented at all on the incident, not explaining why they raided the village, nor why the journalist, who reportedly worked for the official information directorate, was targeted for specific attention.
Today, the operations saw Israeli troops enter al-Hammadiyah village and al-Asbah further in the south of Quneitra. The troops stopped passersby in the streets and searched them, as well as demanding to inspect their mobile phones. No arrests were reported.
Syrian officials called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian territory, and urged the international community to halt the operations. Israel and Syria were reportedly negotiating in Spring and Summer of 2025 about this incursion, though no deal was ultimately reached and operations seem to be expanding, if anything.
