Doha: Israel's continued violations in Syrian territory and its actions there may amount to war crimes, said Fionnuala Ni Aolain, a member of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic. Ni Aolain warned of the dangers of expanding the Israeli presence and the implications for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, which could imperil the country's security and stability.
According to Qatar News Agency, Ni Aolain addressed a press conference in Geneva, where she highlighted the Commission's engagement with civilians during its visits to various parts of Syria. The civilians expressed their principal grievances regarding ongoing Israeli violations in their regions, which have significantly affected their daily lives.
Ni Aolain reported that the Commission observed the impact of Israeli activities on local communities in areas like Quneitra and Daraa, where Syrians are attempting to rebuild amidst challenges. She described the establishment of temporary checkpoints, fixed military infrastructure, and recurrent raids as having severe implications for civilian life.
Further, Ni Aolain noted that Israeli forces have detained numerous Syrian civilians, including children. The Commission identified 49 individuals detained on Syrian territory, with two of them being children, who are believed to have been transferred across the border into Israel.
She emphasized that such acts could be classified as war crimes, expressing the Commission's deep concern over Israel's growing presence in Syrian lands. Ni Aolain concluded by asserting that these actions are unacceptable and must cease immediately.