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Syria – Several Arab nations have strongly condemned Israel’s recent seizure of the demilitarised buffer zone in the Syrian Golan Heights and its subsequent airstrikes across Syria.
These developments followed the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad’s government by rebel forces, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justifying the occupation as a temporary measure to prevent hostile forces from establishing themselves on the border.
“This area has been controlled for nearly 50 years by a buffer zone agreed upon in 1974, the Separation of Forces Agreement. This agreement has collapsed. The Syrian soldiers have abandoned their positions,” Netanyahu stated in a video posted on X.
The move, however, has drawn widespread criticism for violating Syria’s sovereignty and international law.
Moreover, the UN has accused Israel of breaching the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, with Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasising, “There should be no military forces or activities in the area of separation. And Israel and Syria must continue to uphold the terms of that 1974 agreement and preserve stability in the Golan.”
The Golan Heights, internationally recognised as Syrian territory, has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. Despite UN resolutions demanding its return, Israel annexed the area in 1981, a move that remains unrecognised by the international community.
Iran
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, condemned Israel’s actions, criticising its repeated attacks on Syrian infrastructure and further territorial occupation in the Golan Heights.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the actions of the Israeli regime in violating the UN Security Council resolutions and expanding the scope of its occupation as a sign of the expansionist and aggressive approach of the occupying regime and its disrespect for all international legal norms and rules.”
Qatar
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs labelled Israel’s actions as a “dangerous development” and a flagrant violation of Syria’s sovereignty. The Ministry warned that Israel’s tactics would lead to increased violence and instability in the region.
“The Ministry reiterates the State of Qatar’s unwavering stance in support of Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and the unity and integrity of its territories. It also expresses its backing for all regional and international efforts aimed at establishing security and stability in Syria and achieving the aspirations of its brotherly people.”
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia strongly condemned Israel’s airstrikes and occupation of the buffer zone, viewing them as a continuation of violations against international law.
“The targeting of Syrian territory confirms Israel’s continued violation of the principles of international law and its determination to sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring its security, stability, and territorial integrity.”
Iraq
Iraq’s Foreign Ministry criticised Israel’s actions, describing them as a blatant violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions. The Ministry emphasised Syria’s sovereignty and called for immediate action by the UN Security Council.
“The Ministry underlines the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty, preserving its stability, unity, and territorial integrity, and the need to refrain from any interference in its internal affairs.”
Jordan
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi condemned Israel’s occupation of the buffer zone, describing it as an unacceptable escalation and a breach of an Arab state’s sovereignty.
“We emphasise Syria’s unity, territorial integrity, and cohesion, and this includes the unity of its territory with regard to the borders with Israel,” Safadi declared on X.
