Syrians urge defiance of Israeli incursion into Quneitra

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
22 Feb 2025 19:47

During a session of the Preparatory Committee for the Syrian National Dialogue Conference, Syrians stressed several key issues to be addressed, mainly the Israeli occupation of their territories.

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An Israeli soldier stands on a tank near the occupied Golan Heights-Syria line. Dec. 21, 2024 (AP)

The Preparatory Committee for the Syrian National Dialogue Conference held a discussion session on Saturday with residents of Quneitra province in southern Syria as part of the national dialogue process.

Participants raised several key issues, most notably the unity of Syrian territory and defiance of the Israeli occupation’s incursion into the buffer zone, calling for the liberation of the occupied Syrian Golan from "Israel". Additionally, they emphasized the urgent need to appoint a governor to oversee citizens' affairs and provide essential services in the province.

It is worth noting that local Syrian sources confirmed to Al Mayadeen on Monday that Israeli occupation forces have advanced into the villages of al-Asbah, Kodna, al-Rafid, and Hiran in the southern countryside of Quneitra, Syria.

According to the sources, Israeli forces have begun conducting a population survey in the villages and towns of the region. The occupation forces claimed that the operation aims to "meet the needs of the local population and provide them with assistance." However, residents strongly rejected any dealings with Israeli forces or the acceptance of any aid from the occupation's military.

In a related development, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that Israeli occupation forces are constructing a new observation post near the Agricultural Tower in the town of Jubaatha al-Khashab in northern Quneitra.

The attendees urged the implementation of transitional justice, amnesty, and reconciliation, the establishment of a special committee for Quneitra and Golan residents, the formation of a national army, a revision of educational curricula, and the promotion of economic justice and transparency.

According to Syria’s SANA news agency, the participants also stressed the importance of guaranteeing personal freedoms, ensuring judicial independence, and creating a platform for idea exchanges on rebuilding a new Syria. They also highlighted the need to expedite the return of displaced persons to their homes.