Israel’s ‘Unacceptable’ Escalation in Syria: UN Envoy Sounds the Alarm
The United Nations envoy for the Syrian Arab Republic, Geir Pedersen, has issued a strong condemnation of Israel's recent military actions against Syria. On Tuesday, Pedersen expressed his deep concerns over Israel's "military escalations, including airstrikes" targeting its northern neighbor. According to Syrian state media, the Israeli strikes hit the Tartus area on Monday, following reports of a blast near the city’s port and a statement from the Israeli army confirming an attack on a "military site" further north. These developments have drawn international attention, further complicating an already volatile situation in the region.
The situation escalated after Israel conducted hundreds of airstrikes in response to the Islamist-led offensive that removed President Bashar Assad from power in December. Israel justified these attacks as a means to prevent Syrian military assets from falling into hostile hands. This offensive was not limited to airstrikes alone; Israeli forces also advanced into a UN-patrolled buffer zone, an area meant to maintain peace between Israeli and Syrian forces since the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. These actions have alarmed the UN envoy, who emphasized the gravity of violating a long-standing international agreement.
In a stern statement, Pedersen denounced these violations, warning that such moves "are unacceptable and risk further destabilising an already fragile situation." His concerns extend beyond Syria's borders, as the continued aggression heightens regional tensions and threatens to undermine international efforts aimed at de-escalation and fostering a sustainable political transition. The envoy's remarks underscore the broader consequences of Israel's military actions, raising fears that the violence could spill over into neighboring countries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a hardline stance, stating last month that southern Syria must be completely demilitarised. Netanyahu warned that his government would not tolerate the presence of the new Islamist-led Syrian forces near its territory. This uncompromising approach adds another layer of complexity to the conflict, as Israel seeks to secure its borders while simultaneously inflaming tensions with Syria. The situation remains precarious, with the risk of further military confrontation looming large.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Syria is not new. Even before Assad’s ousting, Israel had carried out numerous strikes in Syria since the civil war began in 2011. These attacks primarily targeted Syrian government forces and Iranian-linked assets. The day Assad fell from power, Israel announced that its troops were entering the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights. This area, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967 and later annexed, remains a contentious point of dispute, with Israel’s sovereignty over the territory still largely unrecognized by the international community.
Pedersen has called on Israel to "cease violations, uphold its international obligations, and refrain from unilateral measures that exacerbate conflict." His statement also urged all parties involved to respect Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. Stressing the importance of diplomacy, Pedersen emphasized that "constructive dialogue and strict adherence to international agreements and international law are essential for security in Syria and the broader region." The path to peace, according to the UN envoy, lies not in military escalation but in meaningful political engagement and cooperation.
The situation escalated after Israel conducted hundreds of airstrikes in response to the Islamist-led offensive that removed President Bashar Assad from power in December. Israel justified these attacks as a means to prevent Syrian military assets from falling into hostile hands. This offensive was not limited to airstrikes alone; Israeli forces also advanced into a UN-patrolled buffer zone, an area meant to maintain peace between Israeli and Syrian forces since the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. These actions have alarmed the UN envoy, who emphasized the gravity of violating a long-standing international agreement.
In a stern statement, Pedersen denounced these violations, warning that such moves "are unacceptable and risk further destabilising an already fragile situation." His concerns extend beyond Syria's borders, as the continued aggression heightens regional tensions and threatens to undermine international efforts aimed at de-escalation and fostering a sustainable political transition. The envoy's remarks underscore the broader consequences of Israel's military actions, raising fears that the violence could spill over into neighboring countries.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a hardline stance, stating last month that southern Syria must be completely demilitarised. Netanyahu warned that his government would not tolerate the presence of the new Islamist-led Syrian forces near its territory. This uncompromising approach adds another layer of complexity to the conflict, as Israel seeks to secure its borders while simultaneously inflaming tensions with Syria. The situation remains precarious, with the risk of further military confrontation looming large.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Syria is not new. Even before Assad’s ousting, Israel had carried out numerous strikes in Syria since the civil war began in 2011. These attacks primarily targeted Syrian government forces and Iranian-linked assets. The day Assad fell from power, Israel announced that its troops were entering the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights. This area, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967 and later annexed, remains a contentious point of dispute, with Israel’s sovereignty over the territory still largely unrecognized by the international community.
Pedersen has called on Israel to "cease violations, uphold its international obligations, and refrain from unilateral measures that exacerbate conflict." His statement also urged all parties involved to respect Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity. Stressing the importance of diplomacy, Pedersen emphasized that "constructive dialogue and strict adherence to international agreements and international law are essential for security in Syria and the broader region." The path to peace, according to the UN envoy, lies not in military escalation but in meaningful political engagement and cooperation.
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