Hundreds of Syrians demonstrated in several cities on Friday against repeated Israeli incursions in the country’s south. Rallies took place in Damascus, Homs and Daraa, where demonstrators waved Syrian flags and condemned military activity in Daraa and Quneitra.
Some protesters carried signs reading “We are all Moaz,” referring to a man with special needs whom Syrian authorities said was killed by Israeli fire during an incursion in Daraa the previous day. An AFP correspondent observed hundreds at a rally in Daraa.
Families call for detained man’s release
In Damascus, the family of a Syrian man seized by Israeli forces gathered outside a United Nations building and called for his release. Syrian state media also reported Israeli forces advanced in part of Quneitra province and blocked several roads.
Israel has said it intends to keep troops in a security zone in southern Syria and has sought a broader demilitarised area. The two governments have held talks on a possible security agreement, but incursions and detentions continue to fuel anger among residents.
