UN envoy Geir Pedersen condemned Israel’s military escalations in Syria, particularly airstrikes, citing violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. He warned these actions could destabilize the region and impede peace efforts. Additionally, Israel’s push for the demilitarization of southern Syria amid ongoing conflicts presents significant challenges for regional security.
The United Nations envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed strong condemnation on Tuesday regarding Israel’s military actions towards Syria, specifically airstrikes. He highlighted recent strikes in the Tartus area and military engagements, which Israel claims are necessary to hinder Syrian military assets from being seized by hostile entities. Furthermore, he noted that Israel’s troop movements into the UN-patrolled buffer zone on the Golan Heights contravene the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.
Pedersen articulated grave concerns over these ongoing violations, warning that they pose significant risks of escalating tensions in the region and threaten peace efforts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the need for southern Syria to be fully demilitarized, asserting that the presence of forces from the new Syrian Islamist-led government would be unacceptable. Israel has historically conducted numerous strikes against Syrian government forces and Iranian-linked targets during the prolonged civil war.
The Golan Heights territory has been a point of contention since its seizure from Syria during the 1967 war, with Israel’s annexation remaining largely unrecognized internationally. Pedersen urged Israel to honor its international commitments and cease actions that could heighten conflict in the region. He called upon all parties involved to recognize Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, underscoring the importance of constructive dialogue and adherence to international law for achieving stability in both Syria and the broader region.
In summary, the UN envoy’s condemnation of Israel’s military activities underscores severe concerns about regional stability and international law violations. Pedersen’s appeal for respect towards Syria’s sovereignty highlights the broader implications of conflict escalation, necessitating dialogue and compliance with established agreements. The comments from Israeli leadership further signify ongoing tensions amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
