Syrian Leader Al-Sharaa Addresses UN, Reasserts Golan Claim

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, condemning Israeli military operations within Syria while maintaining that peace between the two nations remains possible. "The possibility of peace and security is open to those who wish to live in peace, a just peace that preserves the rights of all," he stated.

As Syria gradually re-establishes its international standing, al-Sharaa accused Israel of continuing attacks against his country. He denounced "hundreds" of airstrikes, incursions, and arrests carried out by Israeli forces, asserting these actions contradict the current international dynamic and evoke "an era we thought was over."

The Syrian leader also called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces that entered the buffer zone following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024. Israel had previously described its deployment as a measure to protect its border amid security uncertainty in Syria.

Furthermore, Ahmed al-Sharaa reiterated Damascus's claims to the Golan Heights, which Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed in 1981. "Any attempt that undermines our sovereignty and violates international law will be stopped. The Golan will remain Syrian territory," he affirmed.

These statements follow al-Sharaa's indication the previous day that direct discussions had already occurred between Israel and Syria. He conditioned further progress on an Israeli withdrawal from areas occupied since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, preceding discussions on security arrangements that he believes could pave the way for "lasting peace."