BBC Team Detained by Israeli Forces in Southern Syria: A Firsthand Account

On May 9, a team of BBC journalists was detained by Israeli forces in Quneitra, Syria, while documenting the ongoing conflict and military presence in the region. The correspondent details the intense confrontation, strip searches, and threats they faced before being released later that evening.

On the morning of May 9, a BBC Arabic news team set out from Damascus towards the southern province of Deraa, aiming to report on the situation near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The team consisted of seven individuals, including a British journalist, Iraqi staff, and Syrian freelancers. Their goal was to investigate the areas Israel has taken control of since December 2022, following declarations from Israeli officials regarding the indefinite occupation of the demilitarized buffer zone amidst the backdrop of Syria's ongoing civil conflict.

Upon arriving near one of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) observation points close to al-Rafeed, they were alerted by a UN representative that Israeli authorities were aware of their presence. As the crew attempted to film near Quneitra city, they encountered an unguarded checkpoint where distinct Israeli military activity was evident, including Merkava tanks and soldiers observing them.

The situation escalated quickly when four Israeli soldiers surrounded the BBC crew, pointed their rifles at them, and demanded that they place their camera on the ground. Despite attempts to identify themselves as journalists, the soldiers forcibly confiscated their equipment and escorted them into Quneitra. There, the crew faced interrogation and were threatened during a lengthy process of reviewing their footage by the soldiers, who aimed their rifles at them throughout.

The correspondent was taken aside for more detailed questioning and humiliation, including a strip search, while fellow team members were subjected to blindfolding and binding. The Israeli officers exhibited aggressive behavior, warning them against approaching the frontier again and threatening severe consequences should any of their content be published.

After enduring several hours of detention, the BBC team was released at a remote location, confused and disoriented, with no means of communication or understanding of their surroundings. They relied on locals for directions back to safety, ultimately making their way back to Damascus.

The BBC has since lodged a formal complaint with Israeli military authorities regarding the treatment of their journalists, although a response is yet to be received. The incident highlights the sensitive dynamics and risks faced by media personnel reporting in conflict zones such as southern Syria.