Israel forcibly displaces families, destroys homes in southern Syria – HRW
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented on Tuesday what it calls forced displacement, home demolitions, land seizures and unlawful detentions by Israeli forces occupying parts of southern Syria since December 2024.
In areas of Quneitra and Daraa western countryside, especially in al-Hamidiya and Jubata al-Khashab villages, the HRW found that military posts established by Israel were followed by destruction of civilian property and denial of access to agricultural lands.
In al-Hamidiya, at least 12 buildings were demolished on June 16; eight families were displaced, told to leave their homes without notice or arrangements for return. Residents say bulldozers flattened homes, uprooted trees and destroyed gardens.
In Jubata al-Khashab, military infrastructure blocks off lands used for farming and grazing; a forest reserve was cleared.
In its report, the HRW also recorded the detention of several Syrians, including a 17-year-old, who were reportedly transferred into Israel and held without charge, some incommunicado.
The HRW called on governments to suspend military support to Israel and impose targeted sanctions, while pushing for accountability through international bodies.