Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa urged the international community to press Israel for withdrawal from southern Syria during his first Arab summit. He addressed concerns over Israel’s military actions threatening regional stability and sovereignty. The summit provided a platform for regional discussions and Sharaa’s condemnation of a controversial U.S. proposal regarding Gaza.
On Tuesday, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appealed to the international community for pressure on Israel to withdraw its military forces from southern Syria. This call was made during his inaugural attendance at the Arab summit following the overthrow of long-time President Bashar al-Assad on December 8. As a result of the offensive led by Sharaa’s group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, Israel has increased its military presence in a UN-monitored buffer zone in the Golan Heights, an area Israel has occupied since 1967.
President Sharaa emphasized that Israel’s military actions threaten not only Syrian sovereignty but overall regional stability. He stated at the summit in Cairo that, “We urge the international community to uphold its legal and moral commitments by supporting Syria’s rights and pressuring Israel to immediately withdraw from southern Syria.” Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on the complete demilitarization of the southern region and has expressed unwillingness to accept any new Syrian authority in the area.
This summit served as an important platform for Sharaa, marking his first engagement with Arab leaders since the recent regime change in Syria. Among those he met were United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas. Discussions included opportunities for Syria and the ongoing challenges facing the country, highlighting the importance of diplomatic channels in resolving these issues.
The United Nations envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, condemned Israel’s military actions, including recent air strikes. Previously, Syria had been suspended from the Arab League due to Assad’s repressive tactics during the civil unrest that began in 2011; however, the country has since been readmitted after years of diplomatic isolation facilitated by regional power, Saudi Arabia.
Despite being on a sanctions list, Sharaa received a ban exemption from a UN Security Council committee, allowing him to attend the summit in Egypt. His remarks regarding a controversial proposal by former U.S. President Donald Trump, proposing a relocation of Palestinians in Gaza, indicated his strong opposition, which he labeled as “a very huge crime that cannot happen.”
In conclusion, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s appeal to the international community reflects Syria’s need for support in regaining territorial integrity and stability following recent upheavals. His engagement in the Arab summit signifies a shift in diplomatic relations and emphasizes the ongoing security concerns in the region. The complexities surrounding Israel’s military presence and broader regional dynamics remain critical areas for international intervention and dialogue.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
