Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have strongly criticized Israel for taking control of Syrian land near the Golan Heights. The move has sparked widespread condemnation as the Israeli military continues air strikes across Syria.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry called Israel’s actions a “blatant attack” on Syria’s sovereignty. A statement released on Monday described the incursion as a “dangerous development” and a violation of international law. Qatar warned that such policies could escalate violence and tensions in the region.
Saudi Arabia and Iraq Join the Criticism
Saudi Arabia also denounced the Israeli actions. The Saudi Foreign Ministry accused Israel of undermining Syria’s stability and violating international law. It emphasized that the Golan Heights remains occupied Arab land and urged the global community to condemn Israel’s aggression.
Iraq echoed similar concerns, calling the seizure a “serious violation of international law.” In a statement, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and called on the United Nations Security Council to act against the aggression.
Iran and UN Response
Iran joined the chorus of condemnation, labeling Israel’s actions a “flagrant violation” of the UN Charter. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei highlighted the legal implications of the incursion in a statement on Monday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s spokesman also criticized Israel’s land grab. The UN peacekeeping force, UNDOF, stated that the move breaches the 1974 disengagement agreement. Israeli forces reportedly remain in three locations within the buffer zone.
Israeli Offensive Intensifies
On Sunday, Israel swiftly occupied the buffer zone separating the Golan Heights from Syrian-controlled areas. Israeli forces warned residents of nearby villages to stay indoors. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated that the Golan Heights would remain under Israeli control “for eternity.” He thanked former US President Donald Trump for recognizing Israeli claims to the territory.
Netanyahu described the recent developments as a consequence of Israel’s military actions against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. According to Haaretz, he credited these operations for the downfall of Syria’s former president, Bashar al-Assad.
Air Strikes Across Syria
The Israeli military has launched a wave of air strikes in Syria since Sunday. On Monday, it targeted airbases in Damascus, Homs, and Qamishli. Reports indicate over 100 strikes were carried out, hitting security complexes and military facilities.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, confirmed the extensive bombardment. The group stated that Israel aims to dismantle Syria’s military infrastructure tied to the former regime.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon defended the military actions, describing them as “limited and temporary.” However, regional leaders and international organizations continue to demand an immediate halt to Israel’s activities.