United Nations, Dec 20 (IANS) — UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel to halt violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst escalating tensions in the region.
At a press conference on Thursday, Guterres condemned Israel’s extensive airstrikes on Syria and its military's entry into a demilitarized zone between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Key Statements:
"These actions are violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and they must stop, " Guterres said.
He stressed that military forces should not operate in the area of separation, except for UN peacekeepers, who must have freedom of movement to carry out their duties.
The Secretary-General urged both Israel and Syria to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, emphasizing its continued relevance.
Current Situation:
Following a rebel offensive that led to the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month, Israel intensified airstrikes aimed at destroying strategic weapons and military infrastructure in Syria. Israeli troops also moved into the UN-patrolled demilitarized zone, established after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
While Israeli officials have described the troop movement as temporary, no timeline has been provided for withdrawal.
Humanitarian Concerns:
The UN and international organizations continue to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Syria, with reports of 66 potential mass grave sites and over 150, 000 people missing. The conflict, triggered by a crackdown on pro-democracy protests in 2011, has displaced millions internally and forced millions more to flee the country.
Guterres emphasized the international community’s obligation to support the Syrian people, urging global solidarity to address the profound suffering caused by years of conflict.