Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq condemn Israel's seizure of Syrian territories

Qatar, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia have condemned Israel’s seizure of land in Syria near the occupied Golan Heights, as Israeli forces continue carrying out airstrikes across the country.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling Israel's actions a dangerous development and a blatant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and unity, as well as a gross breach of international law, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“The policy of creating facts on the ground, pursued by the Israeli occupation, including attempts to occupy Syrian territories, will lead the region to further violence and tension,” the statement added. Israel began its airstrikes on Syria after armed opposition forces overthrew the government of former President Bashar al-Assad on December 8.

On December 9, Saudi Arabia criticised Israel’s actions, stating that they reflect “Israel's ongoing violation of international law and its determination to undermine Syria’s chances of restoring its security, stability, and territorial integrity.”

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry also called on the international community to condemn Israel's campaign, emphasising that the Golan Heights are occupied Arab territory. Baghdad echoed this criticism, declaring that Israel had committed “a serious violation of international law.” 

“Iraq emphasises the importance of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and calls on the UN Security Council to fulfill its responsibility by condemning this aggression and putting an end to it,” the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said.

On December 8, Israel swiftly moved to seize the buffer zone separating the occupied Golan Heights from areas under Syrian control. The Israeli military also issued a warning to residents of five nearby villages, advising them to "stay home" due to the escalating situation. Israel captured most of the Golan Heights in 1967 and formally annexed the territory in 1981, a move deemed illegal under international law. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had ordered Israeli forces to take control of the buffer zone, which was established under a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria, shortly after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad.

In a statement to the press on December 9, Netanyahu asserted that the Golan Heights would remain under Israeli control "forever." He also expressed gratitude to US President-elect Donald Trump for recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the territory during his first term. International law, however, forbids the acquisition of land by force.

By Naila Huseynova