Arab and regional FMs back Syria's unity, condemn Israeli strikes
RIYADH — Foreign ministers from 11 Arab and regional countries reaffirmed their support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity while strongly condemning continued Israeli attacks on Syrian territory.
The ministers — representing Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Bahrain, Türkiye, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Egypt — issued a joint statement following two days of intensive consultations aimed at supporting Syria's stability and ending external interference in its internal affairs.
The ministers emphasized their unified stance in supporting the Syrian government's efforts to restore security and order throughout the country.
They welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Suwayda province and called for its full implementation to protect civilians, reestablish state authority, and preserve national unity.
The statement also praised Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa's commitment to holding accountable those responsible for recent violence in Suwayda and voiced support for national efforts aimed at reinforcing the rule of law and promoting reconciliation.
Condemning Israel's repeated airstrikes as flagrant violations of international law, the foreign ministers warned that these aggressive actions pose a direct threat to Syria's sovereignty and risk destabilizing the region.
They stressed that Syria's security is a vital pillar for broader regional peace and must not be compromised by continued hostilities.
The statement urged the international community to step up efforts in supporting Syria's reconstruction and called on the United Nations Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities by ensuring Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Syrian territories, halting its violations, and implementing relevant international resolutions, particularly UNSC Resolution 2766 and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
The ministers concluded by reaffirming their collective commitment to coordinated Arab diplomacy that prioritizes Syria's sovereignty, unity, and long-term stability.
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The government of South Africa filed a lawsuit against Israel with the International Court of Justice in December 2023, accusing the country of committing genocide in Gaza. Ireland joined South Africa's case earlier this year. The UN's top court ordered Israel to take 'all measures' to prevent a genocide in Gaza in a ruling on South Africa's request for emergency measures, which act like a restraining order while the court considers the full merits of the genocide case, a move that could take years. Several prominent Israeli individuals have also made the same accusation, including leading genocide expert Omer Bartov who penned an op-ed in the New York Times saying that his 'inescapable conclusion has become that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people.' 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