UN: The occupation plans undermine Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity
The UN Human Rights Office spokesperson, Thameen Al-Kheetan, warned that “Israel’s” occupation of the Golan Heights destabilises the security situation in Syria and seeks to expand illegal settlements in the region.
Al-Kheetan told Anadolu News Agency that “Israel” is violating the 1974 disengagement agreement by occupying areas beyond the Golan buffer zone and plans to “double the settler population in the Occupied Golan Heights.”
The occupation plans “undermine Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and can potentially further destabilise an already fragile security situation,” the spokesman said.
Since December, the Zionist occupation has carried out extensive airstrikes on Syrian military bases and moved forces into a UN-monitored demilitarised zone within Syria. Earlier this week, the occupation struck military sites south of Damascus.
According to news reports in January, the Zionist occupation plans to establish a “control zone” extending 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) into Syria and an intelligence “influence area” reaching up to 60 km.
The occupation’s recent military advances in the Golan Heights, which it has occupied since 1967, have sparked wide international condemnation from Europe and the Arab world.
After President Donald Trump’s inauguration, both Netanyahu and Katz vowed to maintain the occupation of Syrian territory in the Golan Heights indefinitely. This statement marked a shift from earlier plans, made in December, which had indicated that occupation forces would remain in the region only until the end of 2025.
Last week, Syrians staged protests against Netanyahu’s call for the demilitarisation of southern Syria.
“No to Israeli incursion” and “Southern Syria is part of free Syria” read banners waved by scores of Syrian protesters in Quneitra province, according to videos shared on social media.
Protesters also gathered in Al-Karama Square in Suweyda province, reaffirming their rejection of any interference in their country’s affairs.
“Down with Israel,” chanted protesters in the Bosra al-Sham town in eastern Daraa. “From Daraa to Aleppo, Syria is one heart,” reads a banner waved by demonstrators during the rally.
