UN condemns Israeli incursion into Syria as Guterres calls for sanctions removal

Israeli forces have advanced into southwestern Syria, establishing a military checkpoint at Al-Ardah and distributing warning leaflets to local residents, an escalation that has drawn sharp condemnation from the United Nations. The incursion, which involved troops moving towards villages and shelling reported in the vicinity, marks the latest in a series of regular military operations by Israel into Syrian territory since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, visiting Damascus for the first time since 2009, strongly criticised the move. In a statement, Guterres asserted that Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity must be fully respected. He emphasised that violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement are unacceptable and must cease immediately, noting that the UN will submit a comprehensive report on the matter to the Security Council at the end of the month.

The military presence in the buffer zone, which separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from the rest of Syria, was established by Israel following the collapse of the Assad government. Israeli officials have designated the area a “security zone” and indicated an intention to maintain a long-term presence. This stance has been met with diplomatic resistance from Damascus, where Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani described the continued occupation as a direct threat to regional security and demanded an immediate withdrawal.

Amidst the military tension, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signalled a willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions. In an exclusive interview, al-Sharaa stated that Damascus is working towards a security agreement with Israel involving a group of countries. He argued that such an agreement would pave the way for comprehensive peace without requiring Syria to concede its claim to the occupied Golan Heights, while reiterating that the government has no interest in entering a confrontation with its neighbour.

Beyond the immediate security crisis, Guterres used his visit to highlight the economic challenges facing Syria. He called for the immediate removal of all sanctions imposed during the Assad era to facilitate reconstruction, which the World Bank estimates could cost $216 billion. While Western nations, including the United States, have begun lifting certain economic restrictions, investors remain cautious. Guterres described the country as being at a “moment of opportunity” to recover from its 13-year civil war and build a more stable future, urging the international community to support the Syrian government in this pivotal transition.