An hour’s drive from Damascus, on a country road into the Syrian village of Hadar, we encounter Israel’s army. Two military vehicles and several soldiers in full combat gear man an impromptu checkpoint – a foreign authority in a country celebrating its freedom. They allow us to pass through. This demonstrates Israel’s presence in Syrian territory, claiming temporary control of a UN-monitored buffer zone established in a ceasefire agreement 50 years ago. The residents of Hadar, mainly belonging to the Druze community, express mixed feelings about Israel’s incursion, with some hopeful for a peaceful resolution while others fear further territorial expansion. The village chief proudly recounts how the community defended itself during the Syrian civil war, showcasing portraits of fallen heroes. The ongoing power struggle in Syria, with the fall of President Assad and the rise of new leaders, has left the residents of Hadar longing for peace and stability. “Se supone que deben gobernar con justicia, proporcionar seguridad y garantizar los derechos de las personas”, dijo. “Todavía no está claro si han cambiado”, agregó. “Espero que sí”. Información adicional por Yousef Shomali, Charlotte Scarr y Mayar Mohanna.
