UN Chief urges end to Israeli strikes on Syria, calls for De-escalation

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, December 13th, 2024

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syria, condemning the violations of the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Through his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres emphasized the importance of adhering to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which established a buffer zone and demilitarized area monitored by the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). He called for an immediate end to actions that undermine the agreement, stressing the need for stability in the Golan Heights amid rising tensions.

Dujarric stated that while public order and governance reforms are vital for Syria, repeated violations of its sovereignty are unacceptable. Responding to Israeli justifications for the strikes, Dujarric dismissed them, emphasizing the need for all nations to respect Syria’s territorial integrity.

Guterres also urged Syria to ensure control over weapons and prevent their misuse. He highlighted the broader need for inclusive and democratic governance in Syria that protects minority rights.

The comments follow Israel’s recent capture of a buffer zone in Syria’s Golan Heights, accompanied by airstrikes targeting military facilities and weapons depots. This escalation comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the collapse of the UN-monitored disengagement agreement with Damascus.

The strikes have intensified amid Syria’s ongoing instability, with anti-regime forces seizing Damascus and forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee after a prolonged civil war. Guterres called for urgent de-escalation across all fronts to prevent further deterioration in the region.