Syrian Envoy Warns Israeli Actions Jeopardize Regional Stability

NEW YORK – Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations Ibrahim Olabi highlighted the escalating risks of regional conflict during his address to the UN Security Council on Thursday, citing ongoing Israeli military operations and border incursions.

Olabi emphasized that the region stands on the brink of a comprehensive conflict that would affect all parties, attributing the heightened tensions to what he described as Israel’s short-sighted political strategies tied to domestic electoral considerations.

His comments coincided with briefings by senior UN officials on Syria’s post-regime humanitarian crisis and the advancement of its political transition process.

Olabi detailed Israel’s continued military operations, including eight airstrikes on the Abu Al-Duhur airbase, ongoing territorial incursions, and persistent acts of aggression such as detentions, shelling, and violations that have not ceased.

He condemned Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s recent visit to troops stationed on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, where Katz declared indefinite deployment, labeling it a clear violation of international resolutions and legitimacy.

Olabi acknowledged Syria’s active participation in US-backed diplomatic initiatives to de-escalate tensions but cautioned that months of international and regional efforts to secure stability are being undermined by what he perceives as unrealistic policies of a reckless and extremist administration.

Olabi asserted that Israeli attacks will not alter Syria’s course toward stability, which he said can only be realized if Israel ceases its military operations, halts territorial incursions, fully adheres to the 1974 disengagement agreement, and withdraws from occupied territories since December 8, 2024.

Addressing the occupied Golan Heights, Olabi referenced UN Security Council Resolution 497 (1981), which declared Israel’s unilateral imposition of laws and jurisdiction over the territory as null and without international legal validity.

He noted that a recent General Assembly resolution reaffirming this stance garnered backing from 123 states, up from 97 prior to the vote.

Olabi outlined Syria’s evolving diplomatic landscape, highlighting three key developments this month. First, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s visit to Damascus marked the end of strained UN-Syria relations, ushering in what he termed a new era of partnership.

Second, a UN High Commissioner for Refugees visit signified the conclusion of the displacement era, initiating a period of return with over 3 million Syrian refugees having returned to their homes.

Third, a visit from IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi heralded a new phase of enhanced cooperation, resolving previous ambiguities.

Olabi expressed approval of the United States’ recent designation of Syria as no longer a state sponsor of terrorism, a status held for 47 years, and credited the decision to US leadership, including that of the former administration.

He highlighted improved diplomatic relations with Russia, China, and Pakistan, and pointed to the successful integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian Arab Army as evidence of a genuine national unity process based on equality rather than sectarian divisions.

Olabi noted economic indicators of recovery, including the resumption of flights to Germany, implementation of modern electronic payment systems, preparations to leave the FATF’s “grey list,” and the reopening of the Damascus International Fair.

For Syrians, restoring flight connections or unlocking banking services represents far more than mere progress—it symbolizes the revival of everyday life, Olabi remarked.

Olabi also referenced judicial rulings targeting former President Bashar Assad, his brother Maher, and other regime officials for crimes against Syrians, and commended Lebanon for extraditing a wanted former official.

Indrika Ratwatte, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefed the Council on Syria’s humanitarian status, noting nearly 2 million internally displaced and over 1.7 million returnees since the regime’s collapse in December 2024, marking a pivotal moment.

However, Ratwatte cautioned that return does not equate to an end of humanitarian needs, as over 5.5 million remain displaced, including 833,000 in over 1,200 camps.

He reported that explosive remnants of war have caused over 2,400 casualties, including 865 fatalities since December 2024, while the international humanitarian appeal for Syria has secured only 30% of its requested funding.

“This juncture is critical for converting fragile advancements into durable recovery,” Ratwatte urged, advocating for sustained financial support, assistance for returnees, and measures to avert regional conflict.

Syrian Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone, based in Damascus, welcomed the US decision to revoke Syria’s terrorism designation and referenced an IMF forecast projecting double-digit economic growth for 2026.

Despite the optimism, Cordone warned that widespread poverty and resurging inflation continue to pose severe challenges for the majority of Syrians.

Cordone expressed concern over ongoing Israeli military actions in southern Syria, such as repeated incursions, home searches, and property destruction, asserting that Israel’s presence east of the ceasefire line breaches Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Cordone condemned an August 18 Israeli airstrike on Abu Al-Duhur airbase in Idlib and endorsed recent Israel-Syria dialogues in Jordan, alongside US diplomatic efforts. He also highlighted domestic issues such as custody-related deaths and enforced disappearances, urging the establishment of an execution moratorium.

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