UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for an investigation into the actions of Israeli occupation forces in southern Syria, warning against their continued military operations after his office recorded around 280 incidents, including armed incursions, the highest level since the start of the year.

In a statement, Türk said 49 Syrians remain in the custody of the occupation forces, amid reports that they have faced torture and ill-treatment and that some have been held for more than a year.

The statement also cited the killing of a young Syrian man shot by the occupation forces near the town of Hamidiyah in Quneitra, and the wounding of a farmer with a disability during an incursion into Jubata al-Khashab, saying these acts require investigation.

The UN rights office demanded a prompt and impartial investigation into the killing, an end to raids, arbitrary detention and the intimidation of civilians, and respect for international law and the rights of detainees.