Official diplomatic announcements or credible international news agencies

Israel Occupies Syria Buffer Zone Amid UN Condemnation and International Criticism

Dec 12, 2024, 09:28 AM

Israeli troops have entered the demilitarized buffer zone between Israel and Syria, citing security concerns following the collapse of the Syrian regime. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the deployment is temporary and aims to prevent jihadist groups from filling the power vacuum and threatening Israeli communities in the Golan Heights, which he declared as Israeli 'for eternity.' UN human rights experts have condemned Israel's strikes on Syria, labeling them as violations of international law. Reports indicate that Israel has carried out massive aerial and naval strikes on Syria and has occupied approximately 300 square kilometers of Syrian land following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's government. The move has drawn international criticism, with Turkey's Ministry of Defense condemning Israel's occupation of Syrian territory as destabilizing and escalating tensions. Residents of Syrian villages near the Golan Heights have begun evacuating following Israeli threats of attacks.