Syrians march in Damascus and Homs after Israeli strike kills Moaz
Protests spread across the country after a disabled man died in Daraa and troops expanded their presence in Quneitra.
By Pedro Salazar ·
Hundreds of people gathered in Damascus, Homs, and Daraa on Friday to protest Israeli military activity in southern Syria. The demonstrations followed a strike that killed Moaz, a man with a disability, in Daraa province on Thursday.
In Daraa, AFP correspondent reported seeing large crowds waving Syrian flags. Taysir al-Hariri, a protester at the rally, said the group aimed to send a message to the world that Syria stands united against Israeli incursions and those tempted to tamper with national security.
State television footage showed marchers in other cities holding posters with the slogan, "We are all Moaz." The name refers to the deceased man, whom Syrian authorities say was hit by Israeli fire during an incursion.
Outside a United Nations building in Damascus, the family of a Syrian man detained by Israel demanded his release. Children in the crowd held up posters reading, "I want my dad."
Israeli forces advanced into parts of Quneitra province earlier this week. They blocked several roads, bulldozed olive groves, set up checkpoints, and detained residents in the area.
The Israeli military has conducted hundreds of strikes and frequent incursions since Syria's new government took power in December 2024. Troops also entered the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights. Israel has vowed to maintain troops in a security zone in southern Syria while seeking a larger demilitarized area.
Source: Middle East Eye
