JERUSALEM, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that six injured Syrians, four of whom are youths, were brought into Israel over the weekend for medical treatment.
Fighting in southern Syria that borders with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights has intensified, sending thousands of Syrian civilians to the border.
Israel military has conducted the "Good Neighbor" operation for two years, providing humanitarian aid to Syrians, including baby food, diapers, fuel and medical equipments.
An Israeli field clinic, established on the border by the IDF together with international aid organizations, has treated thousands of Syrians since 2016.
"We will not help either side of the (Syrian civil) conflict," said Lt. Cl. E, commander of the operation, in a briefing on Sunday, adding "what we will do is help citizens that are suffering from the consequences of this war."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier Sunday at the weekly cabinet that "we will continue to defend our borders. We will extend humanitarian assistance to the extent of our abilities. We will not allow entry into our territory."
The major offensive launched by the Bashar Assad regime in the Daraa province in the past week has seen a new influx of refugees nearing the border with Israel. There has been concern that the refugees will seek shelters in Israel.
