Syrian Foreign Minister Rejects Israeli Claims to Golan Heights

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad stated that the Golan Heights will remain Syrian territory and rejected what he called "Israeli aggression." Mekdad's remarks were made during a press conference in Damascus, where he reiterated Syria's claim to the strategic plateau, which Israel captured from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

He emphasized that Syria considers the Golan Heights an occupied territory and that its eventual return is a national goal. Mekdad also criticized international recognition of Israeli control, calling it invalid. The Syrian government has consistently maintained its sovereignty over the Golan Heights and has sought international support for its return.

Israel, however, annexed the Golan Heights in 1981, a move not recognized by most of the international community. In 2019, the United States officially recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, a significant shift in U.S. policy. Syria views this recognition as a violation of international law and a hindrance to peace in the region.