Syrian President Asserts Golan Heights Remain Syrian Territory at UN

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, speaking at the UN General Assembly, strongly criticized Israel's military actions within his country, asserting that "no Israeli attempt to impose facts on the ground will harm Syria's legitimacy, the sovereignty of its law, or the validity of international law." He declared that the Golan Heights "will remain Syrian land and that any annexation measures are null and void by virtue of UN Security Council Resolution 497."

Al-Assad presented stark figures on the escalating security situation, claiming Israel conducted approximately 500 air and artillery strikes, over 1,200 ground incursions, and nearly 300 arrests and detentions of Syrian civilians. He stated this reality poses a direct threat to Syria's stability, contradicts global trends, and evokes painful memories for the Syrian public.

Despite the sharp criticism, al-Assad reiterated Syria's official stance and outlined a path toward resolution. He affirmed full commitment to the 1974 disengagement agreement and called for a complete Israeli withdrawal to the lines that existed before the fall of the Assad regime. He concluded by stating that "a historic opportunity still exists to achieve a just peace for both sides, preserving everyone's rights and ensuring long-term stability."