Syria UN envoy says Israeli actions in south undermine stability
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim al-Olabi, said on Wednesday that Israeli violations in southern Syria are obstructing efforts aimed at enhancing stability, calling on the international community to “put an end to what he described as illegal practices.”
Speaking in remarks reported by official sources, al-Olabi stated that Israeli incursions, fortifications, and what he described as “so-called security zones” do not change the status of the occupied Golan, stressing that it remains Syrian territory. He added that Israeli forces “are still present on Syrian territory in the separation zone and beyond, including the summit of Mount Hermon, in violation of international law.”
He further said that Israeli forces have entered villages and agricultural lands, uprooted trees, and sprayed crops and forests with unidentified chemical substances, actions he said threaten the lives and livelihoods of civilians.
Al-Olabi also noted that the region has witnessed serious challenges in recent weeks, adding that Damascus has sought to play what he described as a positive role in containing escalation.
He said that developments in the region remain unresolved, emphasizing the importance of continued international mediation efforts.
In a separate context, al-Olabi welcomed the extension of the ceasefire in Lebanon, reaffirming Syria’s support for Lebanon’s unity and sovereignty and the need to limit arms to state institutions.