Pakistan condemns Israeli actions in Syria, calls for withdrawal

Pakistan condemns Israeli actions in Syria, calls for withdrawal

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has condemned continued Israeli military actions in Syria, calling for Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Syrian territory and full respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement. Speaking at a UN Security Council briefing on the humanitarian and political situation in Syria on Monday evening, Pakistan’s Acting Permanent Representative, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, said Israeli actions violated international law and Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, undermining prospects for regional peace and stability. He reaffirmed that the occupied Syrian Golan remained Syrian territory under international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 338 and 497. Ambassador Jadoon also reiterated Pakistan’s support for Syria’s political transition, national reconciliation and economic recovery, stressing the importance of preserving the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Welcoming renewed diplomatic engagement and efforts to restore national institutions, he expressed optimism about Syria’s future. He backed the Syrian government’s efforts towards an inclusive political transition and welcomed progress in engagement with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). He called for outstanding challenges, including the situation in Suweida, to be addressed through dialogue and peaceful engagement, with full respect for Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. Emphasising the need for sustained international support, Ambassador Jadoon said reconstruction, economic revival and continued humanitarian assistance were essential to meeting the needs of the Syrian people. He noted that sanctions relief, increased investment and stronger regional and international economic partnerships could provide fresh impetus to Syria’s recovery. The Pakistani envoy also stressed the need for continued vigilance against Daesh and other terrorist groups, including foreign terrorist fighters. He expressed support for Syria’s efforts to strengthen its security and national institutions. Reaffirming the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Syria, Ambassador Jadoon said Islamabad would remain a steadfast friend and partner, committed to strengthening bilateral relations and advancing peace, stability and prosperity for the Syrian people. Last month, a UN commission investigating Syria expressed alarm over Israel’s military activity inside Syrian territory, warning that some actions, including the detention of civilians, could amount to war crimes. In August, eight Israeli airstrikes hit an airbase in northwestern Syria, Syrian state media reported, in what the US envoy for the region called an “unnecessary escalation”. In the months after Assad was toppled, Israel seized ground in southwestern Syria and struck much of the Syrian military’s heavy weapons and equipment, as Israeli officials expressed alarm over the background of Syria’s new rulers.