Syrians protest south after disabled man killed in strike

Syrian citizens took to the streets across the country on Friday to voice their frustration over repeated military moves by Israel in the southern regions. The demonstrations were sparked by a specific incident earlier this week in which a man with a disability lost his life during an operation.

State media reported that large groups of people assembled in the capital, Damascus, as well as in Homs, which is located in the center of the country. The primary focus of their anger was the attacks and incursions in the southern provinces of Quneitra and Daraa. In the city of Daraa, an AFP correspondent observed hundreds of participants in the rally, with some waving national flags to show support.

One of the protesters, identified as Taysir al-Hariri, explained the purpose of the gathering to the news agency. He stated that the crowd had come out to send a clear message to the global community. Al-Hariri said Syria remains united against Israeli incursions and opposes anyone attempting to interfere with the nation's security.

Visuals from state television highlighted the emotional weight of the recent loss. Marchers in various cities held up signs bearing the phrase We are all Moaz. This slogan refers to the man with special needs who Syrian officials said was killed by Israeli fire just one day before the rallies began. The incident occurred during an incursion in Daraa province.

The protests also included calls for the return of citizens held by Israeli forces. Outside a United Nations facility in Damascus, the family of a detained Syrian man demanded his release. Their children held up posters with the simple and poignant message I want my dad, adding a personal dimension to the broader political unrest.

Reports from Friday also detailed continued military activity in the south. Israeli forces reportedly moved into a section of Quneitra province and blocked several key roads. In the occupied areas, troops have been seen bulldozing olive groves, establishing new checkpoints, and detaining local residents. This ongoing pressure has intensified since the political shift in Syria.

The current level of activity marks a significant escalation since the new government came to power in December 2024. That administration rose to prominence after toppling the longtime ruler, Bashar al-Assad. Since that transition, the Israeli military has conducted hundreds of strikes and made frequent entries into Syrian territory. Troops have also moved into the UN-patrolled buffer zone that has separated the two armies on the Golan Heights since 1974. Israel has stated its intention to maintain a security zone in southern Syria while seeking a larger demilitarized area.