Israel transfers aid to Syria for the first time

After treating thousands of wounded Syrians during the course of the last five years in its medical facilities, Israel is now transferring aid for use by Syrian rebel forces and civilians.

For the first time since the beginning of the civil war in Syria, Israel is enabling the transfer of aid to Syrians in need through its border in the north.

“Israel finally agreed to allow in three types of aid: medical, educational, and food,” Moti Kahana, an American-Israeli businessman and philanthropist who is leading the delivery project and financing it, said.

The aid will be placed in a “safe zone” adjacent to the border in the Syrian town of town of Quneitra.

The region has recently been the scene of fierce fighting between the warring Syrian factions.

The relief includes medical equipment for the construction of a field hospital so that the Syrians can treat their wounded inside the country.

The IDF has been a key player in providing medical aid to Syrian wounded who have come to Israel’s gates for help, and thousands of Syrians have received treatment at Israeli hospitals, despite the fact the Syria is officially an enemy country.

The IDF will secure the transfer of the supplies.

“Civilians are in a difficult situation and we want to help them and not wait for others,” said Deputy Minister Ayoub Kara, member of the Druze minority which resides in the area on both sides of the border, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Israel has been wary of any activity regarding the Syrian civil war as it does not want to appear to be taking sides or intervening in any fashion in the hostilities. Furthermore, it does want to increase the security risks for its forces operating in the region.

By: JNS.org and World Israel News Staff