Kurds in Syria seek more than rhetorical support from Israel amidst fears of Turkish attacks. Recent discussions between Israeli officials and the international community highlight the plight of the Kurdish minority. With a history of violent incursions from Turkey leaving significant ethnic displacement, Kurds are wary of the future as they attempt to navigate complex geopolitical tensions involving U.S. support and Turkey’s military ambitions against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
On December 18, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar engaged in discussions with Jens Plotner, the Foreign Policy and Security Advisor to Germany’s Chancellor. During this meeting, Sa’ar highlighted, “I emphasized that the international community has a role in protecting the minorities in Syria, including the Kurdish minority that is under attacks and threats these days.” Many Kurds in Syria express hopes that Israel will take tangible action beyond merely issuing statements regarding the threats they face amid ongoing tensions.
In eastern Syria, there is a prevailing fear among Kurds that Turkey may exploit the prevailing chaos to launch attacks on Kurdish-populated cities like Kobani. This sentiment stems from Turkey’s previous aggression, notably its 2018 offensive against the Kurdish region of Afrin, which resulted in the expulsion of over 150,000 Kurds. Consequently, the displaced individuals found themselves in precarious living conditions in makeshift shelters near Aleppo. Following the liberation of Aleppo from Assad’s forces in December 2024, Turkish-backed militias again targeted Kurdish refugees in Tal Rifaat, forcing them to flee once more.
The consequences of these actions have led to the ethnic cleansing of Kurds from regions such as Afrin and Serekaniye. With ongoing hostilities erupting around northeastern Syria’s Kurdish centers, communities are grappling with threats to their existence. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and its military arm, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), oversee much of this area. While the SDF, established with U.S. support in 2015 to combat ISIS, encompasses various ethnic groups, its Kurdish fighters remain central. The SDF emerged victorious against ISIS in most of Syria by 2019.
However, Turkey vehemently opposes the SDF, branding it as affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which Ankara categorizes as a terrorist organization. Turkey’s military interventions in Syria have often led to extremist groups taking root, such as the Syrian National Army (SNA), known for violent tactics akin to those of Hamas. Currently, the SDF manages significant territories along the Turkish border, including towns like Kobani, Qamishli, and Derik, while remaining alert to threats from Turkish forces, the SNA, and residual ISIS cells.
Amid these hostilities, the SDF must also navigate relations with the emerging government in Damascus, which has, so far, been less aggressive toward Kurdish communities. Nonetheless, the SDF continually withstands daily military assaults, with Turkish drones executing airstrikes and SNA artillery targeting civilian populations. Reports indicate that the SDF has recently withdrawn from Manbij, a city liberated from ISIS in 2016, only for the residents to face harassment from SNA forces.
The dire question for the Kurdish population remains whether Israel will act decisively in their support. Many Kurds are appealing to Israel for not only solidarity but also direct military assistance, particularly aerial support for the SDF. They express concerns regarding threats from Turkey and Qatar, which may finance groups reminiscent of Hamas in eastern Syria. Some speculate there could be quiet coordination between Israel and either the SDF or the U.S.-led Coalition, both supporting Kurdish forces.
However, the pressing inquiry among Kurds is whether Israel’s intentions extend to actionable measures. This support may involve implementing a ceasefire that Turkey would honor in eastern Syria, even as the U.S. has struggled to enforce lasting ceasefires. Observers note that the SDF’s tenure, marked by effective campaigns against ISIS, has made it a target for Turkey’s ambitions to destabilize the region and diminish U.S. presence in Syria. As geopolitical dynamics shift, Turkey’s enhanced influence complicates the situation for Kurds, who remain vigilant regarding future threats to their autonomy and existence.
In summary, the Kurdish populace in Syria is contemplating the extent of Israel’s support amidst persistent threats from Turkish forces and affiliated militias. The fate of Kurdish communities hangs in the balance as they seek international allies to ensure their safety and future stability in a fragmented region. The Kurdish voices assert, in light of their plight, the indispensable need for Israel’s backing at this critical juncture.
The article discusses the precarious situation of Kurdish communities in Syria, particularly in light of recent statements made by Israeli officials advocating for the protection of minorities in conflict zones. It elaborates on the historical context of Turkish aggressions towards Kurdish regions, detailing the implications of past military operations carried out by Turkey, as well as the geopolitical complexities facing the Kurdish population today. It further highlights the role of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the dynamics with external actors such as the United States, Turkey, and potential alliances with Israel. This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the Kurdish struggle for autonomy and survival within a tumultuous political landscape characterized by ethnic conflicts, international relations, and the ongoing threat posed by radical militias.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the urgent need for visible and actionable support from Israel for the Kurdish community in Syria. As Kurds face existential threats from Turkish military operations and affiliated extremist groups, their calls for international assistance underscore the desire for a concrete response rather than mere verbal reassurances. The evolving geopolitical landscape, particularly the withdrawal of Iranian and Russian influence in Syria, presents a critical opportunity for Israel to engage in a manner that could significantly impact the future stability and security of Kurdish regions in the country. Consequently, Kurdish hopes hinge on whether these supportive diplomatic overtures will translate into tangible aid and protection against ongoing assaults.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
