United Nations peacekeeping forces carried out an on-ground inspection in Syria’s Daraa province following a series of deadly Israeli airstrikes last week.
The mission, led by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), focused on assessing the damage caused by the attacks that struck multiple civilian areas.
The inspection team moved through locations in southern Syria where the Israeli military launched airstrikes on April 2. These attacks resulted in the deaths of nine civilians and left several others injured. After completing their visit, the UN observers returned to their base in the Golan Heights, where they continue to monitor developments in the region.
The strikes came amid growing tension in the area following the collapse of the Bashar Al-Assad government in December. In the aftermath, Israel widened its control in the disputed Golan Heights region by taking over the demilitarised buffer zone. This action has been criticised for breaching the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria, which was designed to prevent direct conflict.
Since then, Israel has launched frequent airstrikes across Syrian territory. These operations have reportedly targeted military infrastructure, including warplanes, missile systems, and air defence units. While Israel has not officially confirmed all of the strikes, regional media and observers have linked many of the attacks to Israeli forces.
The visit by UNDOF peacekeepers comes at a time of deep concern over the ongoing violence and instability in Syria. The UN continues to call for restraint and respect for international agreements in the region, as civilian casualties and destruction mount in the wake of ongoing military actions.