UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has condemned Israeli military operations in Syria as violations of international law and the country’s sovereignty, calling on Israel to withdraw from all occupied Syrian territories and fully respect the 1974 disengagement agreement.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council briefing on the humanitarian and political situation in Syria, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, said Israeli actions were undermining prospects for peace and stability in the region.
He said the occupied Syrian Golan Heights remained part of Syria under international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolutions 338 and 497.
Jadoon reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Syria’s political transition, national reconciliation and economic recovery, emphasising the need to preserve the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He welcomed the Syrian government’s efforts to pursue an inclusive political process, as well as progress in negotiations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The Pakistani envoy stressed that disputes in Sweida and other parts of Syria should be resolved through dialogue and peaceful means.
He said sustained international cooperation and humanitarian assistance were essential to rebuilding Syria, reviving its economy and meeting the basic needs of its population.
Jadoon added that easing sanctions, increasing investment and expanding regional and international economic partnerships could help support the country’s recovery.
He also emphasised the need for continued vigilance against the Islamic State (IS) and other terrorist groups, including foreign fighters, and called for strengthening Syria’s security institutions.
International concern has also grown over Israel’s military activities in Syria. Last month, a United Nations commission investigating the situation in the country expressed concern over Israeli military operations in Syrian territory, warning that certain actions, including the detention of civilians, could amount to war crimes.
In August, eight Israeli airstrikes were also reported at a military base in northwestern Syria.
Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, Israel occupied additional areas in southwestern Syria and targeted heavy weapons and military equipment belonging to the Syrian army.
