UN commission cites possible Israeli war crimes in Syria — Jerusalem Post

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria told a session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that it was concerned about Israel's military activity on Syrian territory. Commissioner Fionnuala Ní Aoláin said that certain actions, including the detention of civilians, could constitute war crimes, The Jerusalem Post reports. Detentions and military presence According to Ní Aoláin, Israeli military operations in southern Syria have become increasingly permanent and entrenched. The commission documented recurring ground incursions, patrols, raids and searches affecting the civilian population. As of June, the commission had identified 49 Syrian nationals, including two children, detained by the Israeli military on Syrian territory. Ní Aoláin said these people were likely transferred across the border. In a statement released alongside the session, the commission also said that some detainees are being held incommunicado, raising concerns about possible torture or ill-treatment. More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram. Positions of the parties The commission said it documented Israel's establishment of temporary checkpoints and permanent military infrastructure on Syrian territory, including in the southern provinces of Quneitra and Daraa. It also reported the displacement of local residents and described Israel's presence in the area as a military occupation. Israel's mission in Geneva accused the commission of holding an 'Israel-bashing session' and said that Israel has no territorial claims on Syria. The mission said the country maintains a temporary buffer zone which, it claimed, amounts to 0.1% of Syria's territory and is needed to protect citizens from confirmed security threats. The Israeli military entered the UN-patrolled buffer zone after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024. Israel called the move temporary and necessary to protect the border during Syria's political transition. Syrian authorities and the UN have said the troop deployment violates Syria's sovereignty and the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. Read us on Telegram and Sends Download our app