Al-Sharaa: Golan will remain Syrian territories

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa told the UN General Assembly that the Golan Heights would remain Syrian territory despite Israel’s continued military occupation.

Addressing world leaders in New York, al-Sharaa also condemned repeated Israeli strikes on Syrian territory since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, France 24 reports.

“Any attempts that violate our sovereignty, violate international law, will be stopped. Golan will remain Syrian territories,” al-Sharaa said.

His remarks came after Colombia recognized Israel’s claim over the Golan Heights in August. Israel captured the strategically important territory from Syria in 1967 and formally annexed it in 1981. The United States had previously been the only country to recognize the annexation.

The United Nations considers the Golan Heights Syrian territory under Israeli occupation. In July, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated that the territory was part of Syria, describing the Israeli occupation as “totally unacceptable.”

Al-Sharaa said Israel had carried out around 500 airstrikes against Syria, made more than 1,200 incursions and detained 300 Syrians since the fall of Assad.

“Israel is launching attacks against Syria. There have been 500 air strikes, more than 1,200 incursions, and 300 detentions. This is at odds with the orientation we're seeing at global level,” he said.

“It is reminiscent of a era that we thought was long gone.”

Despite what he described as repeated “aggressions” by Israel, al-Sharaa said there was still an opportunity for a peaceful resolution.

“The opportunity for peace and security is available to those who wish to live in peace – a just peace that maintains the rights of all.”

Speaking at the Atlantic Council on September 22, al-Sharaa said Syria sought a peaceful solution with Israel and that negotiations between the two countries had resolved nearly 90 percent of the outstanding issues required for a security agreement.

By Vafa Guliyeva