Zionist military sources justified the destruction of the homes with the argument of “opening country routes and preventing the planting of explosive devices against Israeli soldiers.”

They added that the buildings, supposedly abandoned since the 1967 and 1973 wars, “could have been used by hostile elements for surveillance activities and weapons concealment.”

However, residents of Quneitra categorically rejected these claims and expressed that the buildings had heritage and historical value. Some structures dated back to the 18th century, were built with traditional basalt stone, and belonged to well-known Syrian families in the region.

Following these events, Damascus demanded financial compensation from the Israeli regime in the amount of tens of thousands of dollars for each destroyed home. However, Israeli political and security authorities rejected any compensation and opted to keep communication channels open to “avoid escalation.”

The demolition, according to sources, took place in a buffer zone near the Quneitra crossing, which has been controlled by Israel since late last year.

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