Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa urged international pressure on Israel for an immediate withdrawal from southern Syria during his first Arab summit. He condemned Israel’s military actions as threats to both Syrian sovereignty and regional security. Furthermore, Sharaa criticized President Trump’s proposal on Palestinian relocation, reinforcing the ongoing complexities of Syria’s geopolitical landscape and its relations within the Arab League.
On Tuesday, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim President of Syria, urged the international community to exert pressure on Israel for an immediate withdrawal of its forces from southern Syria. This call came during his inaugural attendance at an Arab summit since taking office, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, on December 8.
Sharaa highlighted the significance of the Israeli military presence in the UN-patrolled buffer zone established in the Golan Heights since 1974. Israel has occupied significant portions of the Golan Heights since 1967 and later annexed areas, a move that remains unrecognized by the United Nations. Recently, Israeli forces have escalated their military activities with numerous air strikes on Syrian sites.
At the summit in Cairo, Sharaa declared, “We urge the international community to uphold its legal and moral commitments by supporting Syria’s rights and pressuring Israel to immediately withdraw from southern Syria.” He emphasized that the expansion was not merely an infringement of Syrian sovereignty but also a provocative threat to regional peace and security.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously demanded the complete demilitarization of southern Syria and expressed his opposition to any new Syrian authority’s presence in the area. Sharaa’s participation in the Arab League summit marked his return to the regional stage, with images showcasing his meetings with prominent figures, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas.
The UN envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, condemned Israel’s military actions, including its aerial strikes against Syria. Under the previous administration, Syria’s membership in the Arab League was suspended due to Assad’s brutal response to civil unrest, although Syria was readmitted in 2023 after significant regional shifts.
A travel ban exemption permitted Sharaa’s attendance at the summit despite being on a sanctions list. The gathering responded to an unpopular proposal by former President Trump regarding the relocation of Palestinians, which Sharaa condemned as an unconscionable act.
Sharaa’s first Arab summit reflects a pivotal moment for Syrian leadership, as he navigates international relations and seeks support against Israeli actions in the region.
In summary, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has called for international pressure on Israel to withdraw from southern Syria, emphasizing the impact on regional security. His participation in the Arab summit signifies his push to re-establish Syria’s position in the Arab community while addressing the challenges posed by Israeli military actions. Additionally, he condemned President Trump’s controversial proposal regarding Palestinian relocation, illustrating Syria’s broader regional challenges and diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
