UN Investigation Committee: Israel's Violations in Syria May Amount to "War Crimes"

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria expressed deep concern over Israeli violations in southern Syria, noting that residents in the Quneitra and Daraa areas reported distress over the continued activities of Israeli forces within Syrian territory.

The UN-affiliated commission, during a Security Council session in Geneva yesterday, stated that these activities include incursions, patrols, and raids, as well as the establishment of a network of temporary checkpoints and military infrastructure, which it said had a negative impact on civilians. It added, “We have witnessed in Quneitra and Daraa the impact of Israeli actions at a time when they are trying to rebuild their country.”

The commission revealed that “Israel arrested 49 children on Syrian territory and transferred them across the border into Israel,” concluding that “Israel’s actions in Syria may amount to war crimes.” Commission member Yvonnela Ne Orlin stated that “the Commission is deeply concerned about the ongoing Israeli violations,” adding that “these actions may rise to the level of war crimes.” She further noted that Israeli forces had interrogated and detained hundreds of Syrian civilians, pointing out that some of the detentions were carried out forcibly.