Syrian Youth Injured by Israeli Gunfire in Daraa; Calls Grow for Israeli Withdrawal
Damascus (Quds News Network)- A Syrian youth was injured on Friday during a protest against the presence of Israeli forces in Daraa, southwest Syria. Local platforms shared footage showing the moment he was shot, with his clothes soaked in blood after Israeli forces fired at demonstrators near Maariya village.
Protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Syrian area and an end to Israel’s incursions into Syrian territory.
Israeli Channel 14 reported that the Israeli army fired at the youth, claiming he posed a threat to their troops. Meanwhile, Syrian outlets circulated footage of Israeli forces stationed in a military post near Maariya, in western Daraa.
Footage documents the moment Israeli occupation forces opened fire on a peaceful protest against the occupation in the Al-Yarmouk area in Syria, resulting in the injury of a Syrian. pic.twitter.com/OiLi93qPYP
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) December 20, 2024
BREAKING: At least one Syrian protester has been injured from Israeli army gunfire during a nonviolent protest against Israel's occupation of lands in southern Syria. pic.twitter.com/8nNKHEGmTG
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) December 20, 2024
Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime earlier this month, Israeli forces exploited the situation to advance into southern Syria. They occupied parts of the buffer zone, including Al-Sheikh Mountain in the north, and progressed through Quneitra to Daraa near the Jordanian border.
Community leaders in Quneitra’s buffer zone demanded an immediate Israeli withdrawal. In a statement signed by local dignitaries, they warned of growing insecurity following the Syrian army’s abrupt retreat.
The statement confirmed that Israeli forces have expanded their control, conducting searches in villages, and advancing into urban areas. It highlighted fears of mass displacement as Israeli troops fortified positions in Quneitra and surrounding villages.
Leaders called for the formation of local committees, supervised by provincial police, to restore security and prevent external interference. They also urged for the disarmament of heavy and medium weapons in the area to stabilize the region until Syrian forces resume control.
Tensions in southern Syria continue to rise, with residents voicing concerns over Israeli actions and potential escalations.
