UN envoy Geir Pedersen condemned Israel’s military actions in Syria as violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, highlighting concerns over regional stability. With ongoing strikes following the ousting of President Assad, Israel is warned against exacerbating tensions. The call for adherence to international law and respect for Syria’s sovereignty underscores the fragile situation.
The United Nations envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has denounced Israel’s recent military operations, including airstrikes, against Syria. Reports from Syrian state media indicate that Israeli strikes targeted the Tartus region, following an explosion near the city’s port and an Israeli military claim of striking a northern military site. These actions occurred after Israel conducted numerous airstrikes amid heightened tensions following the December removal of President Bashar Assad’s regime.
Following the Islamist-led offensive that ousted President Assad, Israel has intensified its military activities, asserting a need to thwart Syrian military resources from being captured by adversaries. The Israeli military has also deployed troops into the United Nations-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights, which has separated Israeli and Syrian forces since 1974. Pedersen expressed profound concern regarding breaches of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.
Pedersen cautioned that such military escalations are not only unacceptable but also pose a significant threat to the fragile stability in the region, potentially escalating existing tensions. He urged all involved parties to respect Syrian sovereignty and maintain a commitment to international agreements. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously stated that the southern region of Syria must be demilitarized.
Historically, Israel has conducted numerous aerial strikes on Syrian soil, primarily targeting government forces and Iranian-affiliated sites, particularly during the ongoing Syrian civil war that commenced in 2011. The military engagement coinciding with Assad’s ousting marked a significant shift, with Israel publicly confirming troop movements into the Golan Heights buffer zone. Moreover, the annexation of the Golan Heights by Israel, achieved through conflict in 1967, remains largely unrecognized internationally.
Pedersen’s reiteration emphasizes the need for Israel to halt its military violations, comply with international obligations, and avoid actions that heighten conflicts. His statement called for constructive dialogue as essential for achieving lasting security in Syria and the wider region, urging all parties to respect Syria’s integrity and sovereignty.
In summary, the UN envoy for Syria condemns Israel’s military strikes, labeling them as detrimental to regional stability and a violation of international agreements. The insistence on respecting Syria’s sovereignty and the importance of dialogue underscores the complex dynamics at play in the region, particularly following the fall of President Assad. As tensions remain high in southern Syria, the ongoing military actions by Israel continue to draw international concern.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
