UN Secretary-General Calls on Israel to Cease Breaches of Syrian Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
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United Nations, Dec 20 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel to halt its breaches of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Guterres criticized Israel's extensive airstrikes on Syria, which are intended to eliminate strategic weaponry and military infrastructure. He also addressed the entry of Israeli troops into a demilitarized area between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"These actions constitute violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and they must cease," he stated.
"I want to emphasize that no military forces should be present in the separation zone aside from UN peacekeepers. Furthermore, these peacekeepers must have the freedom of movement necessary to carry out their vital tasks."
Guterres highlighted that both Israel and Syria are obligated to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, which remains in effect.
"This is a critical moment—one of hope and historical significance, but also filled with considerable uncertainty," the UN Chief remarked to reporters.
"Some individuals may attempt to manipulate the situation for their own limited interests. However, it is the duty of the international community to support the people of Syria, who have endured immense suffering," he said.
Following a rapid rebel offensive that resulted in the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad earlier this month, Israel has executed numerous airstrikes aimed at dismantling strategic weaponry and military infrastructure.
Israeli forces have also entered a demilitarized zone established between Syria and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights—an area that has been monitored by UN peacekeepers since the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict.
Israeli officials have characterized this military presence as a limited, temporary measure designed to safeguard Israel's borders, though they have not specified when troop withdrawal might occur.
The International Commission on Missing Persons in The Hague has reported receiving information suggesting that there may be as many as 66 unverified mass grave locations in Syria. Over 150,000 individuals are deemed missing, according to various organizations including the United Nations and the Syrian Network for Human Rights.
A violent response from Assad to peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations in 2011 triggered a civil war, resulting in millions of refugees fleeing Syria and countless others being displaced within the country.
