UN Commissioner Expresses Concern Over Israeli Occupation Forces' Encroachment into Syrian Territory

Geneva, October 9 (KUNA) -- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed concern on Friday over the continued incursions of Israeli occupation forces into Syrian territory and the repercussions of their operations on civilians in southern Syria, particularly the arbitrary detention of at least 49 Syrians. This was stated in a statement issued from the Office of the High Commissioner in Geneva, which announced that Türk’s office had documented approximately 280 incidents of armed incursions by Israeli occupation forces into Syria during September, the highest number recorded in a single month since the beginning of this year.

The UN official noted that occupation forces raided homes, imposed movement restrictions, harassed and intimidated civilians, and carried out arbitrary detentions and the destruction of livelihoods, according to reports received by his office. He emphasized that his office continues to investigate the total number of individuals arbitrarily detained by occupation forces.

Türk clarified that incoming information also indicates that occupation forces have detained individuals without providing any reasons, subjected them to torture and ill-treatment, beaten them, forced them to stand for extended periods, deployed dogs against detainees, and threatened them and their family members with harm. He added that his office had received reports of occupation forces shooting and killing a young man and injuring another person with a disability in the city of Quneitra in the areas of incursion.

In this context, Türk called for a swift and impartial investigation, urging the occupation authorities to halt hostile actions and respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law. (End) A.M.Kh. / R.J.