Geneva: The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria has raised significant concerns about Israeli military activities in southern Syria, urging an immediate cessation of actions that it claims breach Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to Anadolu Agency, the commission conveyed its concerns during a briefing at the UN Human Rights Council's 63rd regular session, which commenced in Geneva on Monday and is scheduled to run until October 7. The commission emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "We are deeply concerned about the Israeli attacks on southern Syria and affirm that they constitute a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity," as reported by Syria's SANA news agency. "This is unacceptable and must stop," the commission added.
The regions of Quneitra and Daraa in southern Syria have reportedly been subjected to frequent Israeli military activities. These incursions include raids on homes, the establishment of checkpoints, arrests, and shelling. The ongoing conflict is further complicated by the Israeli occupation of most of the Syrian Golan Heights since 1967. Following the downfall of the Bashar al-Assad regime on December 8, 2024, Israel declared the failure of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement and took control of the demilitarized buffer zone and other strategic positions, including the Syrian side of Mount Hermon.
In terms of internal developments within Syria, the commission has observed an acceleration in reconstruction efforts and progress in establishing accountability institutions. It underscored the importance of accountability as a crucial component for the success of Syria's transitional justice process. Additionally, the commission expressed gratitude for the renewal of its mandate and acknowledged the Syrian government's cooperation in facilitating its operations.
The UN Human Rights Council initially established the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria in August 2011. Its mandate is to investigate alleged violations of international human rights law in Syria and identify those responsible where possible. For years, the commission has conducted its inquiries from outside Syria due to restricted access, relying on interviews with victims and witnesses, as well as documents, photographs, videos, and satellite imagery.