Syria’s Interim President Calls for International Pressure on Israel for Troop Withdrawal
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, has urged the international community to pressure Israel for an immediate withdrawal from southern Syria during his first Arab summit. His appeal follows increased Israeli military operations in the Golan Heights area amidst ongoing tensions. Sharaa emphasized the violation of Syrian sovereignty and the threat to regional peace, calling the international community to uphold its commitments. His discussions at the summit reflect Syria’s renewed role in regional dialogues after years of isolation.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim President of Syria, urged the international community to exert pressure on Israel for an immediate withdrawal of its troops from southern Syria during his first Arab summit since taking office. This appeal is rooted in the context of Israel’s military presence in a UN-monitored buffer zone on the Golan Heights, a strategic area that has been occupied since 1967. Following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December, Israel has increased its military operations, including air strikes against Syrian sites.
At the Arab League summit held in Cairo, Sharaa remarked, “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 Israel’s military actions represent a violation of Syrian sovereignty and a threat to regional security and peace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently called for the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, opposing the presence of the new Syrian leadership in that area.
In Cairo, Sharaa attended the summit focused on Gaza and engaged with several prominent officials, including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas. Discussions encompassed the potential for a renewed direction for Syria amidst ongoing challenges. The UN envoy for Syria condemned Israel’s military escalations, particularly the air strikes on Syria.
Syria’s prior suspension from the Arab League since 2011, due to the brutal crackdown on protests under Assad, was reversed in 2023, allowing for a return to regional discussions. This reintegration was significantly influenced by Saudi Arabia, especially as Syria became a market linked to the illicit drug captagon. A travel ban exemption was arranged for Sharaa, permitting his attendance at the summit despite existing sanctions against him.
The meeting was convened in response to controversial proposals previously suggested by former President Donald Trump regarding Gaza, which Sharaa referred to as “a very huge crime that cannot happen.”
In summary, the interim President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has made a significant call for international intervention to compel Israel’s withdrawal from southern Syria, highlighting issues surrounding territorial sovereignty and peace in the region. His remarks during the Arab League summit reflect Syria’s evolving political landscape, especially following the transition from Assad’s regime. Sharaa’s advocacy sheds light on the complex interplay of regional politics and ongoing military tensions. As Syria reestablishes its presence in the Arab League, the international community’s response to Sharaa’s appeal could play a key role in shaping future relations and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
