Israel released four Syrian nationals who were arrested in the Quneitra region, southwest of Damascus, on July 31st. The release was confirmed by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights via X, formerly Twitter, on August 1st. The specific reasons for their arrest and the terms of their release were not immediately detailed. The release comes amidst ongoing anti-government protests in Suwayda city, where demonstrators displayed an Israeli flag in Karama square and called for international accountability, the opening of a crossing with Jordan, and the expulsion of government forces from the province. Counter-protests were reported in Daraa province, opposing what they described as Israeli interference and sedition plans. Further context indicates that the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the arrests on July 31st. The Observatory is a UK-based monitoring group that claims to have a network of sources inside Syria. No official statement from the Israeli government regarding the release or the arrests has been immediately available. The situation in the Quneitra region, which borders the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, is often volatile, with various groups operating in the area.
