The International Community Must Pressure Israel to Halt the Repeated Incursions and the Violations They Entail
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Damascus – The Syrian Network for Human Rights:
At dawn on Thursday, June 12, 2025, Israeli occupation forces carried out a large-scale ground incursion into the town of Beit Jann, located west of the Rif Dimashq Governorate, using military vehicles and supported by units from the Alexandroni Brigade of the 210th Division. The operation resulted in the death of one civilian and the arrest of seven others, amid a state of tension and alert among the local population. The area is under the control of the Syrian transitional government.
Documenting the killing of a civilian and the arrest of seven others in connection with the military operation
According to what the Syrian Network for Human Rights documented through reliable local field sources, Israeli forces stormed residential neighborhoods in the town of Beit Jinn, resulting in limited clashes between local residents and the invading forces. These clashes resulted in the death of a young civilian, Muhammad Hamada, from the town, who was shot by the invading forces. The arrest of seven other civilians, most of whom are from the same family and residents of the town, was also documented. The detainees were transferred to an unknown location without being presented to any local judicial authority or presenting arrest warrants, which, under international human rights law, constitutes a form of arbitrary detention.
The narrative of the Israeli occupation army and the local population:
On the same day (June 12), Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee announced on his official social media platforms that the operation was carried out to “arrest terrorists affiliated with Hamas,” claiming that weapons and ammunition were seized during the raid and confirming that the detainees were transferred to Israel for investigation.
In contrast, the Syrian Network for Human Rights contacted activists who had traveled to Beit Jinn following the incursion. They reported, based on what they learned from local residents, that all those arrested were civilians known for their work in agriculture and sheep herding, and had no organizational ties to any armed or political group, including Hamas. The residents considered the Israeli army’s statement to be devoid of evidence and to be used as a pretext to justify violations.
Statements condemning the incursion and the violations that occurred from the Transitional Government:
The Ministry of Interior of the transitional government issued a statement condemning the operation, describing it as a “blatant aggression against Syrian sovereignty,” stressing that it is following up on the incident and working to document it. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic also expressed its condemnation of the Israeli incursion, considering it a clear violation of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Condemnation, conclusions and recommendations:
The Syrian Network for Human Rights strongly condemns the Israeli ground incursion into the town of Beit Jann, which resulted in the death of one civilian and the arbitrary detention of seven others. The Network affirms that these practices constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
