Syrians allege abuse in Israeli detention since December 2024

Dozens of Syrian citizens have been detained by Israel since its forces entered a UN buffer zone in December 2024. Former detainees and families report abuse and lack of contact; the Israeli military denies mistreatment and cites security concerns.

49 Syrian citizens have been detained by the IDF in the buffer zone in southwestern Syria since December 2024, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Some claim they suffered torture and physical and verbal abuse in Israeli prisons. Ali al-Abdallah, 20, said he was held in isolation, forbidden to lie down, and had no ventilation in his cell. Hoda Bakr said her son Kinan was taken in a raid in August 2025 and she has not heard from him since. Wadi Bakr was held for 15 months. The father of Saddam Saad al-Din, who was arrested at age 16, is seeking information about his son. The IDF stated that the presence in the buffer zone is necessary for protection against Hezbollah, and that arrests are made when there is reasonable suspicion of involvement in terrorism. The military rejected the abuse allegations and declined to comment on specific cases.