Israeli occupation forces have carried out a new massacre in southern Syria, killing nine civilians in a targeted airstrike on the forested area of Al-Jubailiya Dam, located between the city of Nawa and the town of Tasil in western Daraa province, according to local authorities. The attack, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, also left several others injured, sparking public outrage and widespread condemnation across the region.
This strike marks a significant escalation in Israel’s military operations inside Syria, highlighting its increasing territorial intrusion and disregard for Syrian sovereignty. Simultaneously, Israeli warplanes launched over 11 air raids targeting sites in Damascus, Hama, and Homs, while military vehicles reportedly advanced into parts of Daraa, shelling Tel al-Jumou’ with three artillery rounds. Further aerial attacks included a strike near the Scientific Research Centre in Barzeh, Damascus, and over 10 raids on Hama Military Airport.
Under international law, such unprovoked military actions against sovereign states constitute a serious violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, which strictly prohibits the use of force or threats against the territorial integrity of any nation. In addition, repeated airstrikes targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, which explicitly forbids the targeting of non-combatants in any circumstance. These actions therefore constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes.
Despite Israeli claims that such operations are necessary for “security reasons,” attacks on airports, residential areas, and civilians cannot be justified under international legal frameworks. These strikes form part of a broader strategy to exert control over Syrian territory while exploiting the country’s ongoing instability.
Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Israel has significantly expanded its presence in the occupied Golan Heights and moved into the buffer zone, effectively nullifying the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which had previously governed military activity in the area.
In light of these repeated violations, there is an urgent need for a robust international response. The latest wave of attacks reflects a clear strategy to impose new facts on the ground, capitalising on Syria’s internal disarray. The ongoing silence of major global powers only reinforces a culture of impunity, emboldening Israel to continue its strikes in flagrant breach of international law, and further destabilising an already volatile region.
