Türkiye’s representative at the United Nations has urged Israel to cease its “reckless actions” in Syria and adhere to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. This call for compliance comes amidst ongoing military activities that have raised tension in the region.
Call for Compliance with International Law
Ahmet Yildiz, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized the necessity of stability for Syria. He noted that a stable environment is crucial for the country’s economic recovery, attracting investments, and engaging in regional energy initiatives. According to Yildiz, Israel’s ongoing violations of Syria’s sovereignty dramatically hinder these efforts and reflect a blatant disregard for international law.
The situation is particularly concerning in southern Syria, where Israel’s military incursions and aggressive rhetoric show no signs of abating. Yildiz highlighted the recent resumption of operations along the “Sufa 53 line” in Quneitra, describing it as an attempt to undermine the longstanding disengagement agreement. He firmly stated, “These reckless acts must stop,” urging Israel to comply with both the 1974 agreement and additional Security Council resolutions, notably Resolution 497.
Yildiz argued that a stable and sovereign Syria is beneficial not only for the country itself but also for Israel. He referred to the dissolution of the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a pivotal moment for Syria’s future and stressed the importance of finalizing existing agreements to reinforce Syria’s unity and sovereignty. Furthermore, he defined the fight against terrorism as a major priority, welcoming collaboration between Damascus and the global coalition against ISIS.
Refugee Situation and Economic Recovery
On the topic of the refugee crisis, Yildiz pointed out that the number of Syrian refugees who have received temporary protection in Türkiye has decreased from a peak of over 4 million to approximately 2.2 million. However, the process of returning home remains slow due to economic hardships, security issues, and continued Israeli military actions.
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israel has escalated its military presence in Syria, including movements into the Golan buffer zone. Syria has consistently demanded the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories, reaffirming its commitment to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement despite Israel’s claims that such movements are based on security needs.
Syria’s Path to Security and Stability
During the same UN session, Syria’s representative, Ibrahim Olabi, denounced any acts of aggression against Syrian civilians. He emphasized that those who claim to prioritize security should refrain from violence and adhere to international law as laid out by the United Nations Security Council. Olabi pointed out that attacking Syria only serves to undermine the aggressors’ position both locally and globally.
He called for international support in rebuilding the Syrian economy through investments, job creation, and reconstruction projects. Urgent assistance is required for rehabilitating vital infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and public services, as well as addressing the dangerous remnants of war such as landmines. By fostering conditions for stability and development, the path to lasting peace in the region can be paved.
In summary, both Türkiye and Syria are advocating for a renewed commitment to international law and cooperative rebuilding efforts, underlining the importance of a unified and peaceful approach to resolving ongoing conflicts.