UN Condemns Israel Attacks in Syria Amid Regional Tensions
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Hashim Sheikh
- . March 5, 2025
- . Update: March 5, 2025 3:29 pm
UN Syria Special Envoy Geir Pedersen condemned Israel’s military activities within Syrian borders noting that these activities are destabilizing the already volatile region. Pedersen termed the violations as unacceptable and warned they stand to worsen regional tensions, undermine de-escalatory efforts and a sustainable political transition in Syria. His comments followed a series of Israeli air strikes and ground attacks on southern Syria including a recent raid on a weapons depot near Latakia.
Israel says these strikes are crucial to its national security and intended to stop weapons from falling into the hands of groups opposed to the state. This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a call for the complete demilitarization of southern Syria, which is held by forces that overthrew former dictator Bashar Assad in December.
In reply Syria’s transitional leader Ahmad al-Sharaa reiterated Syria’s adherence to the 1974 ceasefire agreement with Israel, blaming Israel for decades of violations. Pedersen called on Israel to stop these violations, respect international obligations and avoid actions that fuel conflict.
In the meantime, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) declared the humanitarian access corridors from Bab al-Salam and Al-Ra’ee to remain open for six more months in order to help deliver essential materials to Aleppo and the surrounding countryside.
The current situation in Syria is still complex with the global community calling for constructive diplomacy and respect for international law.
