Israel’s Large-Scale Attacks Across Syria, Land Grabs And A Desolate Future For Syrians As European Countries Reassess Refugee Policies.

Israel’s recent large-scale military operations in Syria have escalated tensions in the region, raising deeper concerns for Syria’s future. These strikes, including over 100 air strikes on military sites across the country targeting critical airports and military infrastructure, including in the capital, Damascus, have sparked condemnation from regional powers such as Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.

The most significant outrage stems from Israel’s ongoing land grab in Syria, particularly near the contested Golan Heights, a move that threatens Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

International Condemnation

The international community, particularly Middle Eastern nations, has expressed alarm over Israel’s actions.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry described the Israeli incursions as a “blatant attack on Syria’s sovereignty” and a clear violation of international law.

In a similar vein, Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s aggression, warning that these actions hamper Syria’s ability to restore its security and stability. Iraq also echoed these sentiments, calling for the United Nations to hold Israel accountable and put an end to the land grabs. Iran also joined in, denouncing the incursions as a flagrant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Israel’s Seizure of Syrian Territory

The crux of the crisis lies in Israel’s aggressive actions along the Golan Heights, an area it has occupied since 1967 and officially annexed in 1981, in defiance of international law.

The recent Israeli move to seize the buffer zone between the Golan Heights and Syrian-controlled areas has been described as part of a broader effort to expand Israeli control over strategically important territories. This latest land grab comes just days after the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government by armed opposition forces, further complicating Syria’s already dire situation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made no secret of his government’s intentions to retain control over the Golan Heights, stating that the region will remain with Israel “for eternity.” This statement was coupled with Israel’s warning to Syrian civilians living near the area to “stay home,” signaling Israel’s determination to solidify its territorial gains, regardless of international opposition.

A Deepening Crisis for Syria

For Syrians, the unfolding crisis represents yet another stab of hardships with ongoing airstrikes, political instability, and territorial losses, millions of Syrians find themselves trapped in a state of uncertainty and despair. The loss of land near the Golan Heights further limits the space Syrians have to live and rebuild, leaving them with fewer options in an already devastated country.

The fall of President Assad, although a momentous political shift, has only intensified the country’s suffering. With various factions vying for control and foreign powers like Israel pushing their interests, the situation for ordinary Syrians remains bleak.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Israel’s bombing campaign is focused on weakening Syria’s military infrastructure in a bid to prevent the restoration of Assad’s regime or any potential military resurgence. Israel’s military typically refrains from claiming responsibility for such attacks, but the sheer scale and frequency of these strikes have left little doubt about the Israeli military’s objectives.

Israel’s Justification: “Limited and Temporary” Measures

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, addressed the Security Council, stating that the deployment of Israeli forces into the buffer zone separating the Golan Heights from Syrian-controlled areas was “limited and temporary.”

He justified these actions by citing the “developing security threat” posed by the instability along the Syrian-Israeli border. Despite the limited scope claimed by Israel, the regional consequences are far-reaching, with neighboring countries expressing deep concern over Israel’s continued military intervention and territorial expansion.

The Syrian Refugee Crisis. A New Chapter

As Israel intensifies its operations in Syria, the international community is struggling with the implications for the millions of Syrians displaced by the war.

The recent fall of al-Assad has led several European countries, including Germany, France, and Belgium, to suspend asylum decisions for Syrians, citing the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s future leadership.

Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, emphasized the need for “patience and vigilance” in managing the return of Syrian refugees. He stressed that any return must be “voluntary” and “safe,” with refugees having the opportunity to make informed decisions about their future. The continued violence and the lack of clear governance in Syria have made it difficult for refugees to feel confident about returning home.

Meanwhile, the opposition forces, now in control after the fall of al-Assad, have called for Syrians abroad to return and contribute to the reconstruction of the country. However, the reality on the ground is far from stable, and the likelihood of a peaceful and secure environment for returnees remains uncertain.

As Grandi pointed out, a transition that respects the rights of all Syrians—regardless of their ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs—will be crucial in rebuilding the country and restoring safety for its citizens.

Germany and Austria Reassess Refugee Policies

Germany, home to the largest Syrian diaspora outside the Middle East, is taking a wait-and-see approach. The German government announced it would freeze all asylum processing for Syrian nationals, affecting approximately 47,770 applications. This decision comes less than 48 hours after the toppling of Assad, with officials citing the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s future as the primary reason for the suspension.

Germany, which welcomed around 1.3 million Syrian refugees during the height of the war in 2015 and 2016, has witnessed a shift in public sentiment and political stance over the years.

Once seen as a safe haven, the political climate in Germany has turned sharply against immigration in recent years, particularly following a series of incidents that have heightened anti-immigrant sentiments. The deadly knife attack in Solingen, committed by a Syrian national whose asylum application had been rejected, sparked renewed calls for tighter immigration controls.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz and key figures in the government, including members of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), have increasingly supported measures to deport individuals from Syria, particularly those with criminal backgrounds. As the CDU leads in the polls ahead of the upcoming February elections, party members are pushing for a reassessment of Syria’s situation to determine whether refugees should continue to be granted asylum.

Austria and Greece Follow Suit with Deportation Discussions

Austria has also signaled a significant shift in its asylum policy, announcing that asylum proceedings for Syrians will be paused. The Austrian government’s stance reflects a broader European trend of reconsidering refugee policies in light of political changes in Syria.

Greece, which has seen tens of thousands of Syrians flee the conflict, has expressed support for the “safe return” of refugees. The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling for the return to “democratic normalcy” in Syria, suggesting that this could pave the way for Syrian refugees to safely return home. However, the country’s stance remains cautious, as the conflict and human rights violations in Syria are far from resolved.

The Debate Over Safe Returns

Despite these political shifts, there remains a strong division within Germany’s government. Figures within the Greens and Social Democratic Party (SPD) have resisted rapid changes to asylum policies.

Michael Roth of the SPD warned against fueling populist debates that advocate for the immediate return of refugees, emphasizing the need for careful and humane decisions in the face of an uncertain situation in Syria.

Germany’s Ministry of the Interior has made it clear that the country will not yet assess Syria as a safe destination for deportations or returnees. The Federal Foreign Office continues to categorize Syria as unsafe due to the ongoing conflict and high risks of torture and persecution.

Yet, the international community’s response to the fall of Assad is far from unified, with some European leaders pushing for more aggressive actions to curb refugee flows, while others urge caution.

A Shifting Scene For Syrian Refugees

The fate of Syrian refugees in Europe remains deeply uncertain as political dynamics in Syria and Europe evolve.

The call for refugees to return home is at odds with the reality on the ground in Syria, where millions are displaced and the future remains grim. While some European countries like Germany and Austria are pausing asylum decisions and discussing deportations, the situation in Syria is anything but stable.

Still, over the weekend, thousands of Syrians across Germany celebrated the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, marking a historic moment for many who had fled the regime’s brutal rule.

From Berlin to Hamburg, Munich, and Essen, jubilant crowds took to the streets, honking their car horns and waving Syrian opposition flags in neighborhoods like Neukölln and Kreuzberg. For many, this was not just a celebration of a political victory, but the realization of a dream long held – the hope of returning to a liberated Syria.

The Last Bit

Looking ahead, Syria faces an uncertain future. The land grabs and military attacks by Israel, along with the broader geopolitical instability, will likely fuel further violence and tension in the region.

Despite the international condemnation, Israel’s strategic moves suggest it is unlikely to back down. The lack of a unified Syrian government and the involvement of external actors—such as Iran, Hezbollah, and Russian forces—only complicate any potential resolution to the conflict.

Therefore, Syria’s path to stability seems increasingly out of reach, with its people caught in the crossfire of regional power plays and foreign military incursions.

For Syrians, the ongoing struggle for survival continues, with no end in sight.