Syria Stops Protests

Syria blocked many pro-Palestinian protesters from reaching the border it shares with Israel Monday in an attempt to avoid the deadly encounter with Israeli forces protesters found last time.

Syrian police set up checkpoints including a one kilometer long one near Israeli held Golan Heights. Over 20 protesters were seen waving flags and walking before being stopped by police. On Sunday protesters passed similar checkpoints as well as UN ones without trouble.

While Syrian officials maintain the move was to prevent injury, the Israeli government has accused them of planning the protests to avert attention from their own internal crackdown. Since March Syria has been experiencing numerous uprisings aimed at unseating President Bashar Assad.

Organizers say that over 1,200 have died in military encounters since the demonstrations begun. 

Israel fears these demonstrations mean Palestinians will not be happy with a deal agreeing to 1967 borders. Israel defense minister Ehud Barak suggested the Syrian government harbors known terrorist groups like Hezbollah.

Yagal Palmor, Israel’s foreign ministry spokesperson said Israel will file a formal complaint to the UN.