UN human rights office records some 280 Israeli incursion incidents in southern Syria in September

9 October 2026

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Friday that Israeli military incursions into southern Syria are intensifying, with some 280 incidents recorded in September alone. That is the highest monthly figure this year. The incidents include raids on homes, restrictions on movement, harassment of civilians and arbitrary detention. OHCHR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo said 49 Syrians are believed to remain in Israeli custody, a figure the office said has not been independently verified. Former detainees have described detention lasting over a year in some cases, with no reasons given and transfers to unknown facilities. On Monday a 22-year-old man from Jaba town in Quneitra governorate was killed by Israeli forces near Al-Hamidiyah while walking at night; no warning shots are known to have been fired. On Wednesday a farmer with a disability was shot in the leg during an incursion in northern Quneitra, then detained while bleeding and released an hour and a half later. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for a prompt and impartial investigation into the killing and urged Israel to stop harassing civilians.