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“Syria’s chance to stabilize after 14 years of conflict should be supported and safeguarded, not just for Syrians but also for the Israeli population,” stated Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
He emphasized that this is crucial for achieving regional peace and security.
Threatened Transition
During a briefing to ambassadors, both Mr. Khiari and Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the head of UN Peace Operations, discussed recent violations by Israel of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, which was designed to end the Yom Kippur War and establish a separation zone in the Golan Heights region bordering Syria.
This agreement also enabled the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) to oversee the agreement and monitor the buffer zone. Mr. Khiari noted that following the Assad regime’s downfall on December 8, 2024, Syria has faced hundreds of Israeli airstrikes affecting various regions, including the southwest, coast, northeastern areas, and major cities such as Damascus, Hama, and Homs.
Israeli authorities confirmed they had established numerous positions in the Golan Heights while indicating intentions to maintain a presence in Syria “for the foreseeable future,” he remarked.
“The realities on the ground pose a significant threat to Syria’s delicate political shift,” he cautioned.
Recent Airstrikes
On April 3, Syria reported multiple Israeli airstrikes targeting locations in Damascus, Hama Military Airport, and the T4 military airport in Homs, with simultaneous attacks in Daraa resulting in nine civilian casualties.
The Syrian interim authorities condemned these acts, labeling them as direct violations of international law and Syria’s sovereignty, accusing Israel of attempts to destabilize the country.
Mr. Khiari reminded the council of prior statements from Damascus asserting they did not pose threats to neighboring states and were seeking peaceful relations on their borders.
In response, Israel’s Defense Minister characterized the airstrikes as “a warning for the future,” insisting that Israel would not permit Syria to threaten its security interests.
Affirming Syria’s Sovereignty
Considering these circumstances, Mr. Khiari highlighted a presidential statement from the council dated March 14, which reaffirmed commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity. He urged all nations to respect these principles and avoid actions that might lead to further instability in Syria.
“The commitment of this council to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is increasingly important,” he affirmed.
Additionally, he noted that UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen had addressed the issue of Israeli military escalation on April 3, indicating that such actions compromised the efforts to establish a new Syria.
“Syria is at a pivotal moment and deserves the opportunity to move toward an inclusive political transition, allowing its people to heal from conflict, revitalize their economy, realize their aspirations, and contribute to regional stability,” Mr. Khiari stated.
“Moreover, short-term security measures should not obstruct the path toward a peace agreement between these neighbors and long-term stability along their internationally recognized boundary.”
Uncertain Security Climate
Mr. Lacroix updated the council regarding the UNDOF operations, indicating that the security situation remains precarious, marred by violations of the 1974 Agreement. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) currently occupy 12 positions they established on the Bravo side, with ten located within the zone and the remainder on its outskirts.
“They have continued to build counter-mobility structures along the ceasefire line and have occasionally conducted flights across this line, including helicopters into the separation area,” he reported.
The IDF has also placed certain restrictions on UNDOF and the Observer Group Golan, comprised of military observers from the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), limiting local residents’ movements and sparking protests.
Explosions and Military Engagements
In recent weeks, UNDOF personnel reported observing multiple explosions on the Bravo side, which are linked to extensive military activities conducted by the IDF aimed at “demilitarizing southern Syria,” according to Mr. Lacroix.
UNDOF remains engaged with both parties to address specific operational issues and the concerns of residents within the separation zone.
During discussions with UNDOF leadership, senior IDF officials reiterated that their presence in the area of separation is essential to safeguard it against what they term “terrorist threats,” while asserting that Israel harbors no territorial ambitions in Syria.
They also expressed their expectations regarding the demilitarization of the area in the southwest of Damascus.
Reporting from the Bravo side, Mr. Lacroix indicated that UNDOF is enhancing its coordination mechanisms with Syrian authorities, including improved information sharing and regular meetings for discussion.
Maintaining the 1974 Agreement
“It is crucial that all parties adhere to their obligations under the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement,” he stated, which includes ceasing all unauthorized presences in the areas of separation and limitation, along with refraining from actions that could undermine the ceasefire and the stability of the Syrian Golan.
“Military forces or activities should not exist within the separation area, apart from those conducted by UNDOF. Any actions contravening the agreement are intolerable,” he emphasized.
He concluded by underscoring that the Security Council’s continued support for UNDOF is essential, especially in these turbulent times.
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