Israel’s Defense Minister has instructed troops to prepare for prolonged deployment in the demilitarized zone separating Syria from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. This development comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toured Mount Haramun, located in the U.N.-designated buffer zone, earlier this week. During the visit, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s stance on the Golan Heights, asserting, “The Golan Heights will forever be an inseparable part of the State of Israel.”
U.N. Calls for De-escalation and Withdrawal
The United Nations has strongly condemned Israel’s actions, calling for an immediate halt to airstrikes on Syrian territory and a withdrawal from the demilitarized zone. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern about the growing violations of Syria’s sovereignty. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N., stated:
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the recent and extensive violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Secretary-General is particularly concerned over the hundreds of Israeli airstrikes on several locations in Syria, stressing the urgent need to de-escalate violence on all fronts throughout the country.”
The U.N. maintains that such actions undermine international law and destabilize an already fragile region.
Regional Implications and U.S.-Turkey Discussions
As tensions rise in the region, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Turkish officials in Ankara to address overlapping security concerns in Syria. Blinken emphasized the need to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State group, signaling continued U.S. cooperation with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
However, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed dissatisfaction with U.S. support for the SDF, which is led by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG). Ankara considers the YPG a terrorist organization linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Erdoğan insisted on Turkey’s right to target the YPG and related factions, underscoring Turkey’s long-standing opposition to U.S.-backed Kurdish groups operating near its borders.
Syrian Civilian Impact and Growing Humanitarian Concerns
The escalating violence in Syria has further exacerbated the country’s humanitarian crisis. Israeli airstrikes, reportedly targeting Iranian and Hezbollah-linked positions, have struck multiple locations in Syria, including key infrastructure. Syrian civilians, already struggling with the aftermath of years of civil war, are now caught in the crossfire of heightened Israeli military operations and ongoing regional conflicts.
The U.N. has warned of the devastating effects on civilians and called for adherence to international humanitarian law. With winter approaching, displaced Syrians face additional hardships, compounding the challenges for aid organizations working in the region.
Mounting Pressure for a Resolution
The situation underscores the fragility of the U.N.-brokered agreements intended to maintain peace in the buffer zone. The Golan Heights, seized by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed, remains a flashpoint for conflict, with international bodies continuing to regard it as Syrian territory under occupation.
As calls for de-escalation intensify, the international community faces the challenge of balancing geopolitical interests with the urgent need for stability in Syria. Observers fear that without decisive action, the region could spiral further into chaos.
This latest escalation underscores the complexity of conflicts in Syria, where global and regional powers vie for influence amid ongoing humanitarian tragedies.
Related Stories:
Israeli Tanks Cross Syria Border Fence for First Time in 50 Years
Israel has violated the ceasefire in Lebanon about 100 times: CNN
