Türkiye Demands Israel End “Reckless Acts” in Syria at UN
(MENAFN) Türkiye has urged Israel to halt what it called “reckless acts” in Syria and to honor the 1974 Disengagement Agreement in full, as tensions in southern Syria dominate talks at the UN Security Council.
Ahmet Yildiz, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, told the council on Monday: “Lasting stability is essential for Syria to rebuild its economy, attract investment, and participate in regional energy and connectivity projects,”
He warned that Israeli conduct threatens that goal. “Israel’s continued violations of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity undermine these prospects and show disregard for international law,” Yildiz said.
“The situation is particularly alarming in southern Syria, where continued military incursions and expansionist actions and words are getting out of control,” he added.
Yildiz singled out Israel’s recent resumption of activity along the so-called “Sufa 53 line” in Quneitra, calling it a fresh attempt to erode the 1974 accord and create a fait accompli on the ground. “These reckless acts must stop,” he said.
He pressed Israel to abide by the agreement and by relevant Security Council resolutions, Resolution 497 in particular, and to pull out of the occupied Syrian Golan.
“A stable, sovereign and unified Syria capable of securing its borders, defeating terrorist organizations and contributing to regional peace and economic cooperation serves the interests of all, including Israel,” he added.
On the integration of Syria’s armed groups, Yildiz said: “The dissolution of the so-called SDF has opened a new chapter in the integration process,”
“Remaining arrangements should be finalized and fully implemented without delay, in a manner that reinforces Syria’s sovereignty, unity and social cohesion,” he added.
The envoy described the fight against terrorism as “a critical priority” and welcomed Damascus’ cooperation with the global coalition for the enduring defeat of ISIS (Daesh). “Security and economic recovery must advance hand in hand,” he said.
Turning to refugees, Yildiz said the number of Syrians under temporary protection in Türkiye once topped 4 million and now stands at about 2.2 million. Returns have been gradual, he said, because of economic conditions, security worries and Israeli incursions.
Israel has widened its military operations in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, 2024, moving troops into the Golan buffer zone and nearby positions. Syria is demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the areas they occupy and says it remains committed to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Israel says its movements are driven by security considerations.
Syria’s response
Speaking in the same session, Syria’s UN representative, Ibrahim Olabi, said those who claim to seek security “should not be killing Syrian citizens within Syrian territory.”
“They should know very well that there is only one path towards security, which is international legitimacy and the resolutions of the (UN Security) Council,” the envoy said.
“Every time they open fire on Syria, they are, as the world has witnessed, at the same time opening fire on itself locally and internationally,” he added.
Olabi also appealed for support for economic recovery, investment, job creation and reconstruction. He asked for help rebuilding schools, hospitals, and water and electricity networks, along with resources and expertise to clear mines and other war remnants.
Ahmet Yildiz, Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, told the council on Monday: “Lasting stability is essential for Syria to rebuild its economy, attract investment, and participate in regional energy and connectivity projects,”
He warned that Israeli conduct threatens that goal. “Israel’s continued violations of Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity undermine these prospects and show disregard for international law,” Yildiz said.
“The situation is particularly alarming in southern Syria, where continued military incursions and expansionist actions and words are getting out of control,” he added.
Yildiz singled out Israel’s recent resumption of activity along the so-called “Sufa 53 line” in Quneitra, calling it a fresh attempt to erode the 1974 accord and create a fait accompli on the ground. “These reckless acts must stop,” he said.
He pressed Israel to abide by the agreement and by relevant Security Council resolutions, Resolution 497 in particular, and to pull out of the occupied Syrian Golan.
“A stable, sovereign and unified Syria capable of securing its borders, defeating terrorist organizations and contributing to regional peace and economic cooperation serves the interests of all, including Israel,” he added.
On the integration of Syria’s armed groups, Yildiz said: “The dissolution of the so-called SDF has opened a new chapter in the integration process,”
“Remaining arrangements should be finalized and fully implemented without delay, in a manner that reinforces Syria’s sovereignty, unity and social cohesion,” he added.
The envoy described the fight against terrorism as “a critical priority” and welcomed Damascus’ cooperation with the global coalition for the enduring defeat of ISIS (Daesh). “Security and economic recovery must advance hand in hand,” he said.
Turning to refugees, Yildiz said the number of Syrians under temporary protection in Türkiye once topped 4 million and now stands at about 2.2 million. Returns have been gradual, he said, because of economic conditions, security worries and Israeli incursions.
Israel has widened its military operations in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8, 2024, moving troops into the Golan buffer zone and nearby positions. Syria is demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the areas they occupy and says it remains committed to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Israel says its movements are driven by security considerations.
Syria’s response
Speaking in the same session, Syria’s UN representative, Ibrahim Olabi, said those who claim to seek security “should not be killing Syrian citizens within Syrian territory.”
“They should know very well that there is only one path towards security, which is international legitimacy and the resolutions of the (UN Security) Council,” the envoy said.
“Every time they open fire on Syria, they are, as the world has witnessed, at the same time opening fire on itself locally and internationally,” he added.
Olabi also appealed for support for economic recovery, investment, job creation and reconstruction. He asked for help rebuilding schools, hospitals, and water and electricity networks, along with resources and expertise to clear mines and other war remnants.
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