The UN envoy for Syria condemned Israel’s military escalations, including airstrikes in Tartus. Israel’s actions are seen as violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, raising concerns about regional stability. Prime Minister Netanyahu insists on a demilitarized southern Syria to counter threats from Islamist forces. Pedersen calls for respect for Syria’s sovereignty and adherence to international law.
The UN envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, condemned Israel’s military actions against Syria, specifically citing airstrikes on its northern neighbor. Reports indicate Israeli forces targeted the Tartus region, following a significant blast and strikes on military sites further south. Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes since the Islamist-led coup against President Assad in December to prevent Syrian military assets from being seized by hostile factions.
Israel also stationed troops in a UN-observed buffer zone on the Golan Heights, established in 1974, separating the Israeli and Syrian forces. Pedersen expressed deep concern over these ongoing violations, stating that such escalations jeopardize stability in the already precarious region and hinder de-escalation efforts and the prospects for political transition.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has emphasized that southern Syria must be demilitarized to prevent the new Islamist-led government’s forces from posing a threat. Historically, Israel has executed hundreds of airstrikes during Syria’s civil war, targeting mainly government and Iranian-linked military forces since the conflict escalated in 2011.
Following the ousting of Assad, Israel confirmed troop movements into the Golan Heights buffer zone, which was seized from Syria in 1967 and later annexed, a move not widely recognized internationally. Pedersen urged Israel to observe its international obligations, halt violation of agreements, and engage in constructive dialogue to foster regional security and respect Syria’s territorial integrity.
The UN envoy’s strong condemnation of Israel’s military actions emphasizes the risks posed to regional stability due to ongoing violations of international agreements. Calls for de-escalation include the need for all parties to respect Syrian sovereignty and maintain constructive dialogue. Continued military incursions can further destabilize the situation and undermine the potential for sustainable political resolution in Syria.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
