Israel's actions in Syria could be equated to war crimes — UN

Israel's actions in Syria could amount to war crimes — UN

The UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria announced on September 8 that it has expressed serious concern over Israel's military activity in Syrian territory. The organization warned that certain actions, including the detention of civilians, could be equated to war crimes.

Presenting the report to the UN Human Rights Council, Commissioner Fionnuala Ní Aoláin said that Israel's military operations in southern Syria are taking on an increasingly stable and permanent character. According to her, ground raids affecting civilians are being conducted regularly in this area.

Israel's mission in Geneva accused the commission of holding a "session to discredit Israel" and stated that Israel has no territorial claims to Syria.

"Israel is maintaining a temporary buffer zone, which constitutes 0.1 percent of Syria, to protect its citizens from threats," the mission's statement said.

Syria is attempting to rebuild nearly two years after the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Israeli troops entered the UN-monitored buffer zone in December 2024 following the fall of the Assad government. Tel Aviv explains this step as temporary and necessary to protect the border during the political transition period.

Since then, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes on Syrian military infrastructure and occupied new positions inside Syria. The Syrian government and the UN have called these actions by Israel a violation of the country's sovereignty. It was also stated that these actions contradict the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement. Israel, however, considers its actions necessary to ensure its security.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry stated that it has documented Israel establishing temporary checkpoints and permanent military infrastructure on Syrian territory, particularly in the southern provinces of Quneitra and Daraa.

"The Commission is deeply concerned by Israel's ongoing violations," Ní Aoláin said.

She added that while the country is rebuilding, the local population is in dismay over Israel's actions.

As of June, the commission identified 49 Syrians, including two children, who were detained by the Israeli military on Syrian territory and taken across the border.

"Such actions may constitute a war crime," Ní Aoláin said.

In a statement released during the session, the commission stated that some detainees were held incommunicado. This increases the risk of torture and ill-treatment. The commission referred to Israel's presence in this area as an "occupation."

Syria's representative to the UN welcomed the commission's findings. Damascus reaffirmed its cooperation with UN human rights mechanisms in the process of ensuring accountability for violations during the former government's rule. The Syrian representative also condemned Israel's military operations and accused Israel of violating international law and the 1974 agreement.

During a US-mediated meeting, issues of halting Israel's military strikes and restoring the security agreement between the parties were discussed. Reducing tensions between Tel Aviv and Ankara was also considered.