UN warns of Israeli violations against civilians in southern Syria

The UN Human Rights Office has warned of the impact of Israeli military operations on civilians in southern Syria, reporting around 280 incursions in September and at least 49 Syrians remaining in detention. Reports of torture and ill-treatment have also emerged, prompting calls to end violations and investigate the deaths and injuries of civilians.

9 October, 2026 18:53

NEWS DESK

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) today warned of the impact of Israeli military operations on civilians in southern Syria, calling on Israeli authorities to stop raids, intimidation, arrests, restrictions on movement, and the destruction of crops.

Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, OHCHR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo said around 280 Israeli military incursions into Syrian territory were recorded in September, the highest monthly total since the beginning of the year. She also reported injuries and the killing of a 22-year-old man in Quneitra.

Mantoo added that the Office had received information indicating that at least 49 Syrians remained in Israeli custody, amid reports of prolonged detention without detainees being informed of the reasons for their detention, transfers between undisclosed detention facilities, and allegations of torture and ill-treatment.

The Office called for legal safeguards to be respected and the rights of detainees upheld, while UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for an urgent and impartial investigation into incidents that resulted in civilian deaths or injuries.

ANHA