Since the beginning of the war in the Middle East, Syrian authorities have been trying to stay out of the conflict. However, in the south of the country, Israeli incursions have increased since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Last week, the Israeli army reportedly used Syrian soil for the first time to conduct operations in Lebanon. A young shepherd was also killed. In these border villages, residents fear escalation. They worry that Israel, currently bombing southern Lebanon, may seek to extend its control southwards into Syria.
From our special envoy in the border areas in southern Syria, Oussama al-Fahd was 17 years old when he was killed on Friday, April 3rd, by an Israeli shell while on a gas purchasing trip. His father expressed confusion as to why his son was targeted, saying, “They chose their victim randomly, without any reason. They killed him when he was innocent.”
His village, Al-Rafid, is located on the edge of the Golan Heights, occupied by the Israeli army since 1967. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the Israeli army has been advancing its troops methodically into Syrian territory. Oussama’s father lamented the constant fear and uncertainty in the village due to the ongoing conflict.
The entire village lives under the direct threat of Israeli incursions. Fadi Al-Mutairi, a neighbor, described how Israeli forces destroyed lands near their positions with glyphosate to prevent shepherds from approaching the border. The presence of Israeli checkpoints restricts the movement of villagers, causing fear and uncertainty.
One year ago, Wodi al-Bakri, 21, was detained by Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint. His father expressed concern over Israeli intentions to take over the entire region without consequences. In these remote towns, the Syrian army is not present, leaving only a few United Nations contingents to maintain peace. Residents feel isolated and contemplate who can stop Israeli actions.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, the region is haunted by the example of devastated Gaza and recent bombings in South Lebanon. The question remains, “Who can stop the Israeli state today?”
