Syrians Rally in Protest Against Israeli Occupation: A Surge of Anger on the Streets
The recent protests in southern Syria highlight growing tensions surrounding the illegal presence of Israeli forces. Demonstrators in the towns of Madinat al-Salam and Khan Arnabeh voiced their discontent against Prime Minister Netanyahu and the occupying Tel Aviv regime. The protests reflect widespread opposition to Israel’s aggressive policies and military operations in the region.
Participants in these demonstrations chanted slogans such as, “Israel, get out of Syria,” emphasizing their demand for the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the area. The protests are a clear indication of the local community’s sentiment regarding foreign intervention in Syria’s domestic affairs.
In a display of solidarity, locals are also planning to hold additional rallies in the town of Jasim and other areas within Dara’a province. These upcoming protests, scheduled for Tuesday, aim to strongly condemn foreign interference and violations of Syria’s national sovereignty. The organizers have outlined key issues that will be addressed:
- Total rejection of outside influence in Syria’s internal matters.
- Emphasis on the importance of territorial integrity and independence in decision-making.
- Call for the restoration of national sovereignty over Syrian land.
The backdrop to these protests is the recent remarks made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Sunday, he stated that Israeli forces will maintain an indefinite military presence at the summit of Mount Hermon and the adjacent security zone. This statement has been met with criticism, given the historical context of the region.
Mount Hermon, known as Jabal al-Shaykh in Arabic, is a significant geographical feature that overlooks the Syrian-Lebanese border and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. This area was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and has since been a point of contention between the nations.
During a graduation ceremony for officers in Holon, south of Tel Aviv, Netanyahu remarked, “Israeli military forces will remain at the top of Mount Hermon and the buffer zone indefinitely to protect our settlements and thwart any threat.” His comments underline Israel’s intentions to reinforce its military position in the region.
Netanyahu also urged Syria’s new administration to implement a “full demilitarization” of southern Syria, particularly in the provinces of Quneitra, Dara’a, and Suwayda. Furthermore, he warned that Israel “would not permit” forces linked to Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham or the new Syrian army to operate in the area south of Damascus.
The situation has escalated since the downfall of Bashar al-Assad’s government on December 8, 2024, which led to increased military actions from Israel. Following this event, the Israeli military has conducted numerous airstrikes targeting military installations and facilities belonging to Syria’s now-defunct army.
Israel’s actions have drawn widespread condemnation, particularly for its violation of the 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. Critics argue that Israel is exploiting the ongoing chaos in Syria to further its territorial ambitions. The buffer zone established in the occupied Golan Heights was created by the United Nations after the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, with a UN force of approximately 1,100 troops patrolling the area since then.
Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, previously stated that the presence of Israeli soldiers in this buffer zone contravenes the agreement that established it. He emphasized that “occupation is occupation, whether it lasts a week, a month, or a year, it remains occupation.” This statement underscores the international community’s concern regarding Israel’s military presence in southern Syria.
The ongoing protests and planned rallies serve as a reminder of the local population’s desire for sovereignty and peace. As tensions rise, the call for unity against foreign intervention continues to resonate among the people of Syria.
