QUNEITRA—In a stunning turn of events, Israeli forces have launched an invasion of Quneitra, a key city in southern Syria, on the same day the Assad-led government has fallen. This move comes amid widespread speculation that Israel is preparing to officially annex the Golan Heights, a territory it has occupied since the Six-Day War in 1967.
The timing of the operation suggests a calculated effort to capitalize on the chaos following the collapse of Syria’s central government. Quneitra, which lies on the edge of the Golan Heights, holds significant strategic importance as a gateway to the disputed territory.
International reaction has been swift, with critics denouncing the move as a violation of international law. The United Nations and other global bodies have repeatedly affirmed that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory.
Humanitarian groups are raising alarms over the potential displacement of residents and the escalation of regional tensions. Meanwhile, Israel has remained tight-lipped, with officials neither confirming nor denying reports of annexation plans.
The fall of the Assad regime marks a pivotal moment in Syria's civil war, with power vacuums across the country now drawing the attention of neighboring states and global powers.
Developments are unfolding rapidly, and the international community is bracing for the potential consequences of this bold and controversial action. Stay tuned for more updates.