UN Envoy Condemns Israel’s Military Escalation in Syria
The UN envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, condemned Israel’s military airstrikes in Syria, citing violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. He warned that such actions could destabilize the region further. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded the demilitarization of southern Syria, emphasizing security concerns regarding the newly established Islamist-led government. Pedersen urged adherence to international laws and respect for Syria’s sovereignty.
On Tuesday, the United Nations envoy for the Syrian Arab Republic, Geir Pedersen, expressed strong disapproval of Israel’s military actions, particularly airstrikes targeting Syria. Reports indicate that these strikes occurred in the Tartus region, following blasts near the port and claims by the Israeli military regarding a strike on a military site to the north.
In light of a series of airstrikes executed by Israel following the ousting of President Bashar Assad in December, it asserted these operations aimed to prevent Syrian military resources from being seized by adversarial forces. Israel has also deployed troops into a United Nations-monitored buffer zone that has separated Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights since 1974.
Mr. Pedersen highlighted his significant concern regarding sustained breaches of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, labeling these actions as unacceptable. He warned that such military confrontations could further destabilize an already precarious situation, escalating regional tensions and hindering efforts towards de-escalation and a viable political resolution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously articulated that southern Syria must be entirely demilitarized, insisting that his government would not tolerate the presence of the newly established Syrian Islamist-led government forces near its borders. Historically, Israel had conducted numerous strikes during the ongoing Syrian civil war, targeting government forces and Iranian-affiliated positions.
Following the removal of Assad, Israel reiterated its military operations by announcing troop movements into the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights. Israel’s annexation of much of the Golan Heights after the 1967 war remains largely unrecognized internationally.
Mr. Pedersen’s statement urged Israel to cease such violations, uphold international obligations, and abstain from actions that could exacerbate the conflict. He called upon all parties involved to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that constructive dialogue and adherence to international law are crucial for enhancing security both in Syria and the wider region.
In summary, the UN envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, condemned Israel’s military actions as detrimental to regional stability and called for an end to violations of international agreements. The tensions in the Golan Heights and broader implications of military interventions remain critical points of concern. Emphasizing the importance of dialogue and respect for international laws, Pedersen’s statements highlight urgent needs for diplomatic remedies to the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
