Amnesty Calls for War Crimes Probe into Israeli Home Destructions in Southern Syria

Amnesty International has urged an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by the Israeli military in southern Syria following the December 2024 collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The human rights organization reports that Israeli forces entered the UN-patrolled demilitarized zone in Quneitra province, conducting raids and ordering residents to evacuate. Over the subsequent six months, at least 23 civilian structures were destroyed or damaged, a claim verified by Amnesty through satellite imagery and witness testimonies. The group asserts that these actions lacked absolute military necessity and violate international humanitarian law, demanding that Israel provide reparations. Kristine Beckerle, Amnesty’s deputy regional director, condemned the destruction as unjustifiable border security measures on foreign territory. These incidents occur amidst ongoing tensions, even as new Islamist authorities in Damascus engage in talks with Israeli officials regarding a potential security agreement. Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since 1967, annexing it in 1981, a move largely unrecognized internationally. The report highlights the continued instability and humanitarian concerns in the region despite diplomatic efforts.