Amnesty International: Israeli violations in Quneitra may amount to war crimes

Amnesty International said in a report that the deliberate destruction of civilian homes in Quneitra Governorate, southern Syria, by the Israeli military since December 2024, without any absolute military necessity, should be investigated as a war crime.

The organization added that Israel has an obligation to provide reparations for these serious violations of international humanitarian law, taking into account the specific harm suffered by the victims.

The report explained that on December 8, 2024, Israeli forces entered villages and towns within the demilitarized zone in Quneitra, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government, and conducted house raids, forcing residents to leave.

The organization documented the destruction or damage to at least 23 civilian buildings in three villages during the following six months, noting that testimonies and satellite imagery confirmed the absence of any clashes or fighting in the vicinity of these homes before, during, or after the destruction.

“The unlawful destruction of civilian property has become a recurring feature of Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, and now in Syria as well,” said Christine Beckerle, deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch. She added, “Securing borders cannot justify demolishing civilian homes and bulldozing villages within the territory of another state.”

The report noted that since December 2024, the Israeli army has established nine military bases in the Quneitra and Daraa governorates, coinciding with the expansion of its control within Syrian territory adjacent to the occupied Golan Heights. It also pointed out that some of the destroyed homes were located near these new Israeli military bases

The report highlighted the villages of Al-Hamidiyah, Rasem Al-Rawadi, and Al-Rafid, where residents reported being forced to leave their homes before they were bulldozed or razed to the ground.

The organization concluded its report by calling for international action to end what it described as "complete impunity," hold those responsible for the violations accountable, and ensure compensation and the restoration of the rights of those affected.

Sh-S

ANHA