Arab Nations Condemn Israel’s Seizure of Syrian Land Near Golan Heights

Qatar, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia have strongly condemned Israel’s seizure of a buffer zone near the occupied Golan Heights, following a series of Israeli airstrikes across Syria, Al Jazeera reports.

The move has drawn widespread international criticism, with the United Nations describing it as a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry denounced the Israeli incursion on Monday as “a dangerous development and a blatant attack on Syria’s sovereignty and unity, as well as a flagrant violation of international law.” The statement added that Israel’s policy of “imposing a fait accompli” would only increase regional violence and tension.

Saudi Arabia echoed these sentiments, stating that the Israeli actions confirmed “Israel’s continued violation of the rules of international law and its determination to sabotage Syria’s chances of restoring its security, stability and territorial integrity.” The Saudi Foreign Ministry called on the international community to condemn the Israeli campaign, emphasizing that the Golan Heights remain occupied Arab territory.

Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs similarly condemned the seizure as a “grave violation under international law,” stressing the importance of maintaining Syria’s sovereignty and urging the UN Security Council to act.

The Israeli military’s actions, which began Sunday following the reported overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, involved seizing the buffer zone separating the occupied Golan Heights from Syrian-controlled areas. Residents of five nearby villages were warned to remain in their homes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the seizure, declaring that the occupied Golan Heights would remain under Israeli control “for eternity.” He thanked former US President Donald Trump for recognizing Israel’s claim to the territory.

Netanyahu attributed the reported fall of al-Assad to “strong blows” delivered by Israel against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. This claim remains unverified.

The UN Secretary-General’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, stated that the Israeli actions constitute a violation of the 1974 agreement. He noted that UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) personnel had informed their Israeli counterparts of this violation and that Israeli forces remained present in three locations within the seized zone.

Reports indicate that Israel launched numerous airstrikes across Syria on Monday, including attacks on military assets in Latakia and multiple strikes in Damascus targeting a security complex and a government research center. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported over 100 airstrikes on military sites across the country. The Israeli military typically does not claim responsibility for such attacks.