UN Envoy Condemns Israel’s Military Escalation in Syria

The UN envoy for Syria condemned Israel’s military escalations in Syria, including recent airstrikes, which violate the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. These actions risk further destabilization in the region and undermine peace efforts. The UN calls for Israel to cease violations and respect Syria’s sovereignty, emphasizing the necessity for dialogue and adherence to international law.

The United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has condemned Israel’s military escalations, including airstrikes that recently targeted locations in Syria. These strikes, reported by Syrian state media, hit the Tartus area, further escalating tensions as the Israeli army stated it aimed at a military site. This follows numerous strikes carried out by Israel following a swift Islamist-led offensive that resulted in the ousting of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Moreover, Israel’s actions have extended to deploying troops into a UN-monitored buffer zone separating Israeli and Syrian forces since 1974, which raises serious concerns about violations of the Disengagement of Forces Agreement. Pedersen expressed his deep concern over these continuous violations and stated that such actions threaten to destabilize an already fragile situation and escalate regional tensions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously asserted that southern Syria must be fully demilitarized, indicating that the presence of forces linked to the new Syrian Islamist-led government would not be tolerated. Throughout the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes primarily targeting government forces and Iranian-affiliated entities.

Furthermore, on the same day Assad was ousted, Israeli officials confirmed that troops were entering the Golan Heights buffer zone. Israel captured a significant portion of the Golan Heights during the 1967 war and subsequently annexed the territory, an action that remains largely unrecognized internationally.

In his statement, Pedersen called on Israel to halt these violations, fulfill its international obligations, and avoid any unilateral actions that could escalate the conflict. He emphasized the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty and integrity, highlighting that constructive dialogue and adherence to international law are vital for security in Syria and the surrounding region.

In summary, the United Nations envoy for Syria has denounced Israel’s military actions, which he deems unacceptable and detrimental to regional stability. The ongoing airstrikes, troop deployments, and potential violations of established agreements pose significant risks. It is imperative for all parties to respect Syria’s sovereignty and engage in constructive dialogue to foster peace and security in the region.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com