Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, called for international pressure on Israel to withdraw troops from southern Syria during his first Arab summit. He condemned Israel’s military actions, viewing them as violations of Syrian sovereignty and threats to regional peace. The article discusses the historical context of the Golan Heights occupation, recent Israeli air strikes, and Syria’s reintegration into the Arab League under Sharaa’s leadership.
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa called on the international community to exert pressure on Israel for the immediate withdrawal of its troops from southern Syria. Attending his first Arab summit in Cairo, Sharaa insisted that Syrian sovereignty must be respected and highlighted Israel’s military presence as a threat to regional peace. He made these remarks following a significant Israeli military deployment to the U.N.-patrolled Golan Heights buffer zone, which has separated Israeli and Syrian forces since 1974.
Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since 1967, later annexing certain areas, a move that remains unrecognized by the United Nations. Recently, Israel conducted multiple air strikes targeting Syrian military installations, further escalating tensions. Sharaa stressed that these actions are violations of sovereignty and international law, urging a unified response from Arab leaders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously stated that he demands the full demilitarization of southern Syria, rejecting the idea of new Syrian authorities in that region. Sharaa’s attendance at this summit marks his first significant international engagement since the overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad in December. During the summit, he met with prominent officials, including U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas.
The U.N. envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, condemned Israel’s military actions, particularly the recent air strikes, citing the need for restraint. After years of isolation due to Assad’s response to the 2011 protests, Syria was allowed back into the Arab League in 2023, facilitated by Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts. A U.N. Security Council exemption enabled Sharaa’s travel to the summit despite being on a sanctions list.
Sharaa also criticized former President Trump’s controversial proposal regarding Gaza, labeling it “a very huge crime that cannot happen.” The summit primarily focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but discussions about Syria’s situation and regional stability were also highlighted by leaders.
The article underscores the ongoing tensions between Israel and Syria, emphasizing Syria’s call for international intervention against Israeli military presence in the region. Sharaa’s remarks at the Arab summit highlight the wider regional implications of Israel’s actions, stressing the need for dialogue and cooperation among Arab nations. The dynamics of Syrian leadership under Sharaa and the responses from international figures also indicate shifting geopolitical landscapes in the Middle East.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
