UN Documents 280 Israeli Incursions in Southern Syria in September, Highest Monthly Total in 2026
UN Documents 280 Israeli Incursions in Southern Syria in September, Highest Monthly Total in 2026
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The UN Human Rights Office has warned of escalating Israeli military incursions in southern Syria, documenting approximately 280 incidents in September 2026—the highest monthly total recorded since the beginning of the year.
The operations have raised concerns over civilian safety, freedom of movement and livelihoods, with at least 49 Syrians reportedly remaining in Israeli custody.
The documented incidents included home raids, restrictions on residents’ movement, detentions and harassment of civilians, as well as the destruction of agricultural crops and other sources of livelihood.
In Quneitra Governorate, the office reported that a farmer with a disability was shot and temporarily detained during a military incursion into the town of Jubata al-Khashab on October 7. He was subsequently transferred to Golan Hospital for treatment and surgery.
The UN office also reported that a 22-year-old man was killed near the town of Hamidiyah on October 5 after reportedly approaching an Israeli military position without knowing it was there. Initial information indicated that it was unclear whether warning shots had been fired.
High Commissioner Türk called for prompt and impartial investigations into the incidents, stressing that the use of lethal force outside the context of hostilities is permissible only when strictly unavoidable to protect life.
The office also received testimonies from released detainees alleging beatings, torture, threats and prolonged detention. At least 14 detainees were reportedly released during August and September, while new cases of detention continued to be recorded.
Meanwhile, the Syrian government renewed its demand for Israeli forces to withdraw from territories entered after December 2024 and to comply with the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. Damascus also called on the international community to help protect Syrian sovereignty and civilians.
