‘War crimes’: Deadly Israeli raids on Syria sparks outrage – Al Jazeera

Report on Israeli Incursion in Southern Syria and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Incident Overview

On November 28, 2025, Israeli forces conducted a military incursion into the Beit Jinn area of southern Syria, resulting in at least 13 fatalities. This event is reported as the most lethal of its kind since the conclusion of President Bashar al-Assad’s governance. Syrian officials have formally rejected Israel’s justification for the action, accusing the nation of violating international law. This incident represents a significant setback for regional stability and directly contravenes multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Violation of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The incursion fundamentally undermines SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies. The military action and resulting loss of life are in direct opposition to the core tenets of this goal.

• Target 16.1: The death of at least 13 individuals is a stark failure to “significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.”
• Access to Justice: Syria’s accusation that Israel violated international law highlights a breakdown in the mechanisms for justice and accountability between nations, weakening the “strong institutions” pillar of this goal.
• Peaceful Societies: Such military actions escalate tensions, destabilize the region, and actively work against the promotion of a peaceful society, creating a climate of fear and insecurity.

Wider Consequences for Sustainable Development

The conflict has cascading negative effects on other critical SDGs, demonstrating the interconnectedness of peace and development.

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The loss of life is a direct impact on public health and well-being. Furthermore, conflict zones invariably disrupt healthcare services and create long-term physical and psychological trauma for affected populations.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Military operations in populated areas like Beit Jinn threaten the safety and security of communities. They compromise the goal of making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by introducing violence and instability.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The incident signifies a failure of international partnership and diplomacy. Unilateral military actions erode the trust and cooperation necessary to address global challenges and achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The primary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressed in the article is:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is directly relevant as the article discusses a violent military incursion, loss of life due to conflict, and a dispute over the legality of these actions under international law. The core themes of the article—conflict, death from violence, and violations of international law—are central to the mission of SDG 16, which aims to “promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the information provided, the following specific targets under SDG 16 can be identified:

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

   The article explicitly states that the Israeli incursion was its “deadliest” in the region and resulted in at least “13 people killed.” This directly relates to the target of reducing violence and the death rates that result from it.

2. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

   This target is relevant because the article mentions that Syrian officials “accuse it of violating international law.” This highlights a conflict over the application and adherence to the international rule of law, which is a key component of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains information that can be used as or relates to specific indicators for the identified targets:

• Indicator for Target 16.1: The article provides a direct data point for Indicator 16.1.2: Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population, by sex, age and cause. The statement “At least 13 people were killed” is a raw number that contributes to the calculation of this indicator, measuring the human cost of the conflict described.
• Indicator for Target 16.3: While the article does not provide a quantitative metric, the accusation of “violating international law” serves as a qualitative indicator of a challenge to the rule of law. It signifies a breakdown in peaceful international relations and a dispute over the legal frameworks governing state actions, which is a core concern of Target 16.3.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: aljazeera.com