Israel launches military incursion into Syria amid UN condemnation

Israeli military forces have advanced into southwestern Syrian territory, establishing a checkpoint at Al-Ardah and conducting shelling operations in the area, according to Syria's state news agency. The incursion included distribution of leaflets to residents warning against obstruction of Israeli vehicle movements. This operation represents the latest in a series of Israeli military activities within Syrian borders since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, currently visiting Syria, issued a formal condemnation of Israel's actions, stating that Syrian sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity must be fully respected. He specifically cited violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement as unacceptable and called for their cessation. The UN chief indicated that a comprehensive report on these violations would be submitted to the UN Security Council by the end of the month.

Following al-Assad's departure, Israel seized control of the UN-administered buffer zone separating the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syrian territory, claiming the 1974 disengagement agreement had become void. Since then, Israeli forces have conducted regular attacks, raids, searches, and established military checkpoints deeper within Syrian territory. Israeli officials have stated their intention to maintain a permanent "security zone" in southern Syria.

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani called for Israeli withdrawal from the buffer zone, characterizing continued military operations and occupation as a direct regional security threat. However, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa indicated in an interview that Damascus is pursuing a security agreement with Israel involving multiple countries, suggesting that a successful agreement could enable comprehensive peace while preserving Syria's claims to the occupied Golan Heights. Al-Sharaa emphasized that Syria has no interest in military confrontation with Israel.

Guterres's visit marks the first by a UN secretary-general to Syria since 2009. He described the country as standing at a critical juncture to recover from its 13-year conflict and build a more stable, inclusive, and prosperous future. The UN chief also urged the international community to remove sanctions imposed during al-Assad's rule, welcoming recent steps toward easing restrictions.