The United Nations expressed grave concern on Wednesday over Israel’s continued violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
UN Condemnation of Israeli Airstrikes on Syria
UN Secretary-General Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric posted on X (formerly Twitter), commenting on recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory.
"We are deeply concerned about Israel’s continued violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement," Dujarric stated.
He emphasized that "all obligations under international law must be respected."
1974 Disengagement Agreement Between Israel and Syria
The Disengagement Agreement was signed between Israel and Syria on May 31, 1974, marking the end of the October 6, 1973 war and a subsequent period of conflict along the Syrian front.
Under the agreement:
Israel withdrew from all areas of Mount Hermon that it occupied during the war.
It also pulled back from about 25 square kilometers, including Quneitra and other small areas occupied since June 5, 1967.
A buffer zone was established between Israeli and Syrian-controlled areas, patrolled by UN peacekeeping forces.
However, following the collapse of the Syrian government in late 2024, Israel claimed that the 1974 agreement had become invalid and proceeded to occupy Mount Hermon and the buffer zone.
Israel Expands Military Operations in Southern Syria
On Tuesday night, the Israeli army launched a ground incursion beyond the buffer zone in southern Syria and destroyed weapons depots, according to Channel 14, an Israeli news outlet.
Later that evening, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz confirmed the airstrikes on Damascus, warning that "any attempt by Syrian regime forces to establish a presence in the southern security zone will be met with fire."
Israel Pushes for Federalization of Syria
On Monday, Israel proposed transforming Syria into a federal state with autonomous regions.
During the EU-Israel Partnership Council meeting in Brussels, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated:
"A stable Syria can only exist as a federal state, with different autonomous regions that respect diverse ways of life," according to a statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry.
Similarly, on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared:
"We will not allow the new Syrian army to deploy south of Damascus."
Israel’s Ongoing Occupation of Syrian Territory
Since 1967, Israel has occupied most of the Golan Heights and, after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, expanded its occupation to include the Syrian buffer zone.
Israel has also carried out numerous airstrikes, targeting Syrian military sites, equipment, and ammunition depots.
The Fall of the Assad Regime
On December 8, 2024, Syrian opposition factions took full control of Damascus, ending:
61 years of Ba'ath Party rule
53 years of Assad family control over Syria
(Source: Anadolu Agency)
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