Despite international criticism, the Israeli army apparently continues to advance into Syrian territory. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the IDF is expanding its influence from the buffer zone on the occupied Golan Heights.
In addition, other towns in Kuneitra province on the Syrian side of the Golan Heights were occupied. The troops have partly entered Syrian territory seven kilometers further, according to a report by the London-based Observatory, which bases its information on a network of activists across Syria. However, this information could not be independently verified.
When asked, the Israeli army said its forces were “in action in southern Syria, within the buffer zone and at strategic points.” The aim is to protect the residents of Israel’s north. To ensure the safety of the troops, no exact locations are given.
After the coup in the neighboring country, the Israeli army entered the buffer zone with Syria on the Golan Heights and is considering long-term control of the area. The soldiers advanced into an area under UN supervision in accordance with the 1974 ceasefire agreement. Israel captured the area this side of the ceasefire during the Six-Day War in 1967 and unilaterally annexed it in 1981. Plans were recently announced to expand settlements on the occupied Golan Heights.
Schallenberg criticizes the occupation of Syrian territory
The military maneuvers have led to international criticism. “I consider this neither sensible, nor compatible with international law, nor a contribution to Israeli security,” Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg told the daily “Die Presse” a few days ago. This includes “the unacceptable call to double the number of settlers in the Golan Heights.”
Overall, the foreign minister said in the interview on the situation in Syria that Europe “should not make the same mistake as in Afghanistan and draw self-righteous red lines before we have even spoken to anyone.” He was very pleased that Kaja Kallas, the new EU foreign policy chief, had sent a diplomat to Damascus and wanted to appoint an EU special representative for Syria. “We need to get an overview of Syria. Europe should not only talk to the new rulers in Damascus if they meet a 50 percent quota for women and all minorities are included in their government.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
