UK backs SDF integration as Syria demands Israeli withdrawal
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The UK welcomed the dissolution of the Syrian Democratic Forces into state structures on Thursday, while Syria called on Israel to withdraw from areas it entered after Dec. 8, 2024.
Speaking during a UN Security Council meeting on Syria, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Kate Foster described the SDF’s integration into central government structures as an important step toward a peaceful, stable and unified Syria.
“The United Kingdom fully supports Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Foster said, adding that London was ready to support the Syrian government as it strengthens its institutions.
Foster also welcomed direct Syria-Israel talks held earlier this week in Jordan, describing them as a positive step toward long-term peace. She urged both sides to continue dialogue to strengthen security in Syria and the wider region.
She warned that further Israeli strikes, including those in Idlib last week, risk undermining Syria’s progress at a pivotal moment.
Foster also welcomed the U.S. decision to remove Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, describing it as another important step toward prosperity and stability.
Despite the progress, she said, more than 15 million people in Syria require humanitarian assistance and more than seven million are acutely food insecure.
She warned that ongoing sectarian tensions, wider regional instability and violence could threaten Syria’s progress, calling on the international community to support the Syrian government in consolidating stability.
For his part, Syria’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ibrahim Olabi called on Israel to withdraw from the areas it entered after Dec. 8, 2024.
“While you commend what Syria is achieving, Israel continues to work in exactly the opposite direction,” Olabi said, accusing Israel of continuing military incursions into Syrian territory.
Olabi said Israel had carried out eight strikes on Abu al-Duhur Airport and continued incursions inside Syria.
He said Syria was exercising “the highest degree of restraint” to prevent further suffering in Syria and the region, while securing its borders, fighting terrorism, dismantling drug networks and addressing issues inherited from the former government.
Olabi said Israeli attacks would not alter Syrians’ pursuit of stability and efforts to build their country’s future.
He said the path to stability requires an end to Israeli attacks and incursions and adherence to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.
On Syria’s internal developments, Olabi said the integration of the SDF into Syrian Arab Army brigades had been completed and that the force had been officially dissolved.
He described the removal of Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism after 47 years as a historic step, saying Damascus had ended an era of isolation and entered a new phase of openness and cooperation with the international community.
Olabi also said judicial rulings against figures from the former government were issued following fair and impartial trials attended by victims’ relatives.
The statements came as Syria seeks to consolidate its political transition, strengthen state institutions and improve relations with the international community amid continued security challenges and humanitarian needs.