Zionist occupiers: forest destroyers, water looters in Syria

Pars Today - The Zionist regime, in its new phase of occupying Syrian lands, has inflicted irreparable damage on the natural habitats and biodiversity of the region by destroying forests, uprooting ancient trees, and taking control of the al-Qunaytirah dams.

According to Pars Today, citing Fars News Agency, the new wave of Zionist occupation against Syria began on January 8, 2024, coinciding with the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, as occupiers entered the al-Qanaytirah province. Following this, the occupiers simultaneously carried out airstrikes targeting Syrian military bases and bombed them while advancing on the ground by establishing military outposts, pursuing their evil objectives. The newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed published an article analyzing the depth of Israel's crimes in Syria, including the looting and destruction of forests and water resources, as well as covert efforts to displace the original inhabitants of the area through various means.

Destruction of natural heritage; Israel uproots ancient trees

The Israelis have destroyed agricultural lands and cut down trees in several forested areas that are highly significant for the environment of the occupied Golan Heights in Syria and serve as habitats for many rare species of trees and animals. "Ahmad Dhib," the director of forestry in Quneitra, stated in an interview with "Al-Araby Al-Jadeed" that the Israeli occupying forces have destroyed the "Kudneh Forest," which was completely planted with productive poplar trees. Other ancient and rare forest trees of the oak variety have also been destroyed and uprooted in the "Al-Tarnajah Forest."

Israeli regime has seized control of Qanaytirah dams

Currently, the main challenge in al-Qanaytirah is the issue of water. This region is known as a large reservoir of water, and Israel’s attempts to control water resources are concerning. Al-Qanaytirah has six major dams, including al-Muntarrah, al-Raweehna, Barayqah, Kudneh, al-Hajah, and Ghadeer al-Bustan, with a total capacity of 80 million cubic meters. The al-Muntarrah Dam, with a capacity of 40 million cubic meters, is considered the most important dam in the region because half of the province’s water gathers there, playing a key role in supplying water to other dams.

According to statements by the forestry director, Israeli occupation forces recently established a military base near the al-Muntarrah Dam and do not allow anyone to enter. This move has increased concerns about the transfer of water from the dam to the occupied Golan Heights and the potential drying up of other dams.

Israel aims to destroy biodiversity in al-Qanaytirah

Ali Ibrahim, the director of environmental affairs for al-Qanaytirah province, told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed: “Attacks on protected areas in al-Qanaytirah have left extensive environmental, economic, and social damages.” Ibrahim warned that the destruction of forests will have direct impacts on the local community since residents depend on gathering fruits, medicinal plants, grazing livestock in the forests, and income from eco-tourism for their livelihoods. With the destruction of forests, these communities lose their source of income, leading to increased poverty, migration to urban areas, and greater pressure on limited existing resources.

$103.5 million in irreparable damage to al-Qanaytirah’s nature

The director of environmental affairs added that deforestation has serious economic consequences, and the loss of wood and forest products is one of the most obvious outcomes of such destruction. He estimated that the economic damage caused by these actions amounts to approximately $36 million, while the cost of direct damage due to the loss of vegetation in Kudneh Forest alone is estimated at $59.5 million. In total, the economic damage resulting from the destruction of natural resources in this province is estimated at around $103.5 million.

Call for international assistance

The director of environmental affairs in al-Qanaytirah called on the international community to take action to prevent the destruction of al-Qanaytirah’s forest cover by the Israeli occupying army. He also urged support for organizations active in environmental protection to rebuild forested areas and provide assistance to local communities dependent on forest products.

Al-Qanaytirah is located in southwestern Syria, covering an area of 1,861 square kilometers, which constitutes 1% of Syria’s total area. The province is about 40 kilometers away from Damascus, and two-thirds of it is currently under Israeli occupation.

MG