The United Nations has firmly opposed any violations of Syria's territorial integrity, particularly in light of recent military actions by Israel in the Golan Heights. A spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, made this statement during a daily press briefing, reinforcing the UN's stance against such actions.
The issue gained international attention following media reports that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted over 320 Syrian military sites. When asked about these reports, Dujarric responded unequivocally, stating, "It is very clear that we stand against any violation of the territorial integrity of Syria. We are against these types of attacks."
This comment came after Israel's heightened military operations in Syria, particularly after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government. Israel has conducted airstrikes targeting Syrian military assets and seized control of a demilitarised buffer zone in the Golan Heights.
The United Nations has consistently regarded the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian territory, and Dujarric reiterated this position, saying, "We were very clear about the violation of the disengagement agreement following the IDF occupation of the buffer zone."
The area, which had been designated as a buffer zone to prevent conflict between Israeli and Syrian forces, has become a flashpoint following the shifting political and military landscape in Syria.
The spokesperson also emphasised that Syria should not be used by neighbouring countries as a means to encroach upon its sovereignty. "This is a turning point for Syria," he added. "It should not be used by its neighbours to encroach on the territory of Syria."
Dujarric called for international efforts to support the Syrian people in determining their own future through a transition process that is both Syrian-led and inclusive.
This sentiment was echoed by Geir Pedersen, the UN's Special Envoy for Syria, who called for an immediate halt to Israel's military activities in the region.
Pedersen described the situation as "very troubling," stressing that the continuing Israeli movements and bombardments into Syrian territory must cease. His plea for peace underscored the urgent need to end the ongoing conflicts that have plagued the Middle East for years.
The UN has continually advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict, one that is rooted in dialogue and respect for Syria’s territorial integrity.
Israel's actions, especially in light of the ongoing instability in Syria, have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. Many argue that such military operations only escalate tensions in an already volatile region and make it more difficult to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The UN's calls for restraint and dialogue reflect a broader desire for stability in the Middle East, where long-standing conflicts have often been exacerbated by foreign intervention.
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