Escalation of Violence: Israeli Raid Results in Civilian Casualties in Southern Syria

Mon Dec 08 2025 07:09:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent Israeli military operation in Beit Jinn, Southern Syria, resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals, including women and children, amidst ongoing tensions in the region.

In a deadly Israeli raid on the village of Beit Jinn, Southern Syria, thirteen people were killed, prompting strong condemnation from Syria's foreign ministry, which labeled the incident a 'war crime.' The Israeli Defense Forces stated that their operations intended to detain militants responsible for terror activities. As the conflict escalates, concerns grow over civilian safety in war-torn regions.

At least 13 people have been killed in an Israeli raid on a village in southern Syria overnight, state media reported, in one of the deadliest incidents of its kind for months. It said children were among the dead.

Sana news agency reported that residents of Beit Jinn confronted Israeli troops, leading to a firefight. Following this, air strikes were also carried out. Syria's foreign ministry condemned the actions, calling it a 'war crime' by Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the raid targeted militants who they claimed were planning terror attacks against Israeli civilians. Additionally, six Israeli soldiers were injured in the clashes, three of them seriously.

According to the IDF, the raid was directed at the Jamaa Islamiya militant group. They reported that during the operation, armed militants opened fire on their soldiers, who returned fire. Sana also reported shelling in the area, and footage showed the aftermath of two air strikes targeting the militants.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, noted that the operation resulted in a building collapsing, further raising concerns about civilian safety during such military operations.

The hospital in the vicinity reported receiving multiple bodies, including those of children and members of the same family. The Syrian foreign ministry stated that more than ten civilians, including women and children, had been killed and accused Israel of committing a 'fully-fledged war crime' while urging the UN Security Council to intervene against Israel's 'policy of aggression.'

Israeli forces frequently conduct operations in Syrian territories, citing the need to prevent armed group activities. Since the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad nearly a year ago, Israel has intensified its military presence in southern Syria, undermining agreements established after the 1973 war ceasefire.

The US has been mediating talks for a security agreement to stabilize the region, but progress remains elusive, heightening tensions between Israel, Syria, and local populations caught in the crossfire.