Israeli forces conducted a ground raid into Syria, apprehending a Syrian national linked to Iranian networks, the Israeli military announced Sunday. This marks the first confirmed instance of Israeli troops operating within Syrian territory during the ongoing conflict.
The military revealed that the operation, which took place several months ago, resulted in the seizure of a man identified as Ali Soleiman al-Assi, a resident of Saida, southern Syria. According to the Israeli army, al-Assi had been under surveillance for an extended period and was involved with Iranian initiatives targeting the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights region.
Body camera footage released by the army depicts soldiers detaining al-Assi in a building wearing a white tank top. He was subsequently brought to Israel for interrogation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Lebanon border on Sunday, emphasizing Israel’s objective of disrupting Hezbollah’s efforts to rearm itself through Iranian weapon shipments channeled through Syria. Israel’s campaign in Lebanon, which has included airstrikes and a ground invasion, aims to push Hezbollah away from the border and halt over a year of rocket fire into northern Israel.
Israel’s strikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 2,500 fatalities over the past year, while 69 people in Israel have been killed by Hezbollah projectiles.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued offensive operations in the northern Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas fighters who regrouped in the area.
An attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza injured patients, including children, according to the hospital’s director. The attack damaged the hospital’s nursery, dormitory, and water tanks shortly after a World Health Organization delegation concluded a visit. This hospital, along with two others nearby, has been repeatedly struck by Israeli forces during the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military denied responsibility for the most recent attack on Kamal Adwan, attributing it to an explosive device planted by Gaza-based militant groups.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell issued a statement expressing concern over the violence, stating, ”Attacks on civilians, including humanitarian workers, and what remains of Gaza’s civilian facilities and infrastructure must stop.” She warned that the entire Palestinian population in northern Gaza, particularly children, faces an imminent risk of death from disease, famine, and the ongoing bombardment.
In southern Gaza, an Israeli air strike on a gathering in Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of at least eight Palestinians, including four children and a woman, according to the territory’s Health Ministry.
Palestinian officials reported that an Israeli drone strike on Saturday hit a clinic in northern Gaza where children were receiving polio vaccinations, injuring six people, including four children. The Israeli military denied responsibility for the attack.
The director general of Gaza’s Health Ministry stated that a quadcopter struck the Sheikh Radwan clinic in Gaza City just moments after a United Nations delegation left the facility.
Both the WHO and UNICEF, who are jointly conducting the polio vaccination drive, expressed concern over the reported strike, particularly as it occurred during a humanitarian pause agreed to by Israel.
The Israeli military denied involvement in the strike. Israeli forces have repeatedly raided hospitals in Gaza throughout the war, claiming that Hamas uses them for military purposes, an allegation denied by Palestinian health officials.
Northern Gaza has been encircled by Israeli forces for the past year, leading to widespread isolation. The recent Israeli offensive in the region has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced tens of thousands.
Amidst ongoing conflict, a scaled-down campaign to administer a second dose of the polio vaccine commenced in parts of northern Gaza. It had been postponed due to access restrictions, Israeli bombings, mass evacuations, and a lack of guarantees for humanitarian pauses.
Thousands of children remain trapped in northern towns now inaccessible.
Achieving herd immunity requires vaccinating 90% of children in every community to prevent the spread of polio. The campaign was launched after the detection of the first polio case in Gaza in 25 years, a 10-month-old boy who is now paralyzed. The World Health Organization estimates that hundreds more people could be infected without showing symptoms.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 250 others. Israel’s subsequent offensive has claimed the lives of over 43,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, who state that more than half the victims were women and children.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Conflict Resolution Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, and thank you for joining us today. We’re privileged to have with us Dr. Rachel Weiss, a respected expert in conflict resolution and Middle Eastern affairs. Dr. Weiss, let’s start with the recent Israeli ground raid into Syria. This operation has raised significant questions. Could you provide some context about why this operation is seen as a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict?
Dr. Weiss: Thank you for having me. The ground raid represents the first confirmed instance of Israeli troops conducting operations within Syrian territory during this ongoing conflict. This development signifies not just a tactical move but also highlights Israel’s growing concern regarding Iranian influence in the region, particularly related to arms supplies to Hezbollah and threats against the Golan Heights.
Editor: That’s a crucial point. The Israeli military stated that they apprehended Ali Soleiman al-Assi, who was surveilled due to his ties with Iranian networks. How significant is this arrest in the broader context of Israeli strategy?
Dr. Weiss: Al-Assi’s arrest underscores Israel’s proactive approach to preempt threats. By targeting individuals involved with Iranian networks, Israel aims to dismantle the operational capacities of groups that pose immediate dangers, especially concerning Hezbollah. This illustrates a strategic shift whereby Israel is not only responding to conflicts but is also taking offensive measures to disrupt potential future threats.
Editor: Alongside the operation in Syria is Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon, which has seen considerable casualties. Can you shed light on Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent visit to the Lebanon border and the objectives he outlined?
Dr. Weiss: Netanyahu’s visit and his emphasis on disrupting Hezbollah’s rearmament is pivotal. For Israel, it is not merely about targeting specific groups; it’s about changing the dynamics of power in the region. By engaging both militarily and politically, Israel seeks to create a deterrence effect. The statistics you’ve mentioned — over 2,500 fatalities in Lebanon and casualties in Israel — indicate a profound human toll, stressing the urgency for a more sustainable resolution to hostilities.
Editor: Turning our attention to Gaza, the recent airstrikes have caused significant civilian casualties, including children and humanitarian facilities. What implications does this have for international humanitarian law and the perception of Israel’s military actions?
Dr. Weiss: The situation in Gaza is deeply concerning. Attacks on civilian infrastructure, especially healthcare facilities, raise serious questions regarding compliance with international humanitarian law. The repeated assertions from UNICEF and the WHO indicate a growing alarm over the humanitarian impact. Civilians should be protected in conflicts, and the targeting of facilities treating children is particularly egregious. This can undermine international support for Israel and fuel narratives of aggression and inhumanity.
Editor: The Israeli military has denied responsibility for several civilian casualties, attributing some incidents to militant groups. How do these denials affect the discourse around accountability?
Dr. Weiss: Denials of responsibility complicate accountability. They can create a narrative of confusion, shifting blame and accountability away from state military actions. However, independent investigations are essential in these cases to verify claims and provide clarity. Without accountability, cycles of violence are likely to persist. The regional and international communities will be watching closely to see how Israel navigates these accusations.
Editor: Lastly, could you share your perspective on the role of organizations like UNICEF and WHO in such conflicts? How can they effectively operate in these challenging environments?
Dr. Weiss: Humanitarian organizations play a crucial role in providing assistance, advocating for the protection of civilians, and reminding the international community of the humanitarian obligations of warring parties. Their presence is vital, but operating in conflict zones poses significant risks, especially when facilities are attacked or targeted. Collaborating with local entities, ensuring safe passages for aid, and advocating strongly through international channels can enhance their effectiveness. Ultimately, their work is essential to mitigate the suffering of civilians caught in the chaos of war.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Weiss, for your insightful analysis. As the conflict continues to evolve, it’s critical for dialogue to persist, both in the region and within the international community. We appreciate your time and expertise today.
Dr. Weiss: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we continue to discuss these dynamics to foster a better understanding and hopefully work toward a resolution that prioritizes human dignity and peace.