IDF denies Syrian incursion amid Turkish condemnation

The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation on Tuesday regarding what it described as Israel's entry into the buffer zone between Israel and Syria and its alleged advancement into Syrian territory. 

The ministry's statement accused Israel of demonstrating an "occupation mentality."

"Israel is once again displaying its occupation mentality," read the statement, highlighting Turkey's disapproval of the reported actions.

The Turkish condemnation aligns with reports from Syrian sources claiming that Israeli forces had moved up to 25 kilometers into Syrian territory, approaching areas near the capital, Damascus. However, these claims were swiftly denied by an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson.

"It's not true; the forces have not left the buffer zone," the spokesperson said, refuting assertions that Israeli troops had crossed into Syrian territory beyond the buffer zone adjacent to the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.

The buffer zone in question is part of the disengagement agreements established between Israel and Syria following the 1973 Yom Kippur War. 

The area, monitored by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), is intended to prevent direct military confrontations between the two countries.