Israel Imposes 'Undeclared Buffer Zone' in Southern Syria

Israeli forces have intensified their incursions into Syrian territory, conducting near-daily violations in the southern regions of Daraa and Quneitra. On Monday, an Israeli artillery shell landed near the village of al-Musayritiyah in western Daraa, igniting a wheat field. This incident follows repeated Israeli ground movements, including the establishment of checkpoints and searches of vehicles and pedestrians in areas like Maariya and Saidah.

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All the measures are seen as efforts to impose an unofficial buffer zone, said sources in Damascus.

Sources in Damascus view these measures as efforts to impose an unofficial buffer zone, a continuation of Israel's violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. These violations include shelling, ground incursions, attacks on civilians, raids, detentions, and land leveling. Syria has consistently demanded an end to the Israeli occupation, asserting that all Israeli measures in southern Syria are null and void under international law.

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Syria consistently demands the end of the Israeli occupation of its territory, stating that all Israeli measures in southern Syria are null and void under international law.

Since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, Israeli forces have reportedly seized 665 kilometers of Syrian territory, established nine military positions, and carried out land incursions. Reports suggest Israel has created a security zone, similar to the "yellow line" in Gaza, to prevent military activity and remove heavy weapons from Quneitra and Daraa. The aim is to control areas leading to southern Damascus, creating "strategic depth" to protect Israel's Galilee and the Golan Heights.

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Israel wants to create the buffer zone through razing agricultural areas in Quneitra, western Daraa countryside, and Yarmouk Basin especially.

Researcher Rashid Hourani stated that Israel is attempting to create this buffer zone by razing agricultural areas and destroying infrastructure and military positions in Quneitra, western Daraa, and the Yarmouk Basin. This strategy aims to prevent citizens from accessing their lands and restricts their movement through frequent interrogations and temporary checkpoints. Israeli forces have also reportedly destroyed civilian facilities and historic sites, including houses and a historic mosque.

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It wants to destroy infrastructure and military positions by repeatedly targeting them, thereby preventing citizens from accessing their agricultural lands.