United Nations officials briefed the Security Council on Tuesday that Syria has reached a pivotal moment in its national recovery. However, ongoing regional instability and funding gaps pose a risk of reversing gains, reports Anadolu.
“Syria stands at a pivotal juncture,” said Edem Wosornu, Director of the Crisis Response Division at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). She noted that since seeker of powers from the Assad regime in December 2024, approximately 1.7 million refugees and 1.9 million internally displaced persons have returned to their communities. Wosornu cautioned that returns will not be sustainable without addressing the vast deficits in housing, infrastructure, and access to basic services.
– Israeli Incursions, Regional Risks
Wosornu identified Israeli military activity in southern Syria as a primary threat to national stability. She explained that repeated incursions and movement restrictions complicate humanitarian operations in areas where 80 % of the population requires assistance. “Any escalation in the wider region could quickly trigger new humanitarian needs—including displacement, economic disruption, and supply‑chain shocks,” she warned.
Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone echoed these concerns, condemning “illegal Israeli military incursions” in Quneitra and Daraa. He cited incidents where Israeli forces killed civilians east of the ceasefire line and harassed UN staff. Cordone warned that statements from Israeli officials indicating an intent to retain territory violate Syrian sovereignty and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, further heightening regional tensions.
Southern Syria has seen repeated Israeli incursions and attacks in recent months, including raids, searches, arrests, and the establishment of military checkpoints.
Following the fall of Bashar al‑Assad’s regime on 8 December 2024, Israel declared the 1974 disengagement agreement with Syria void and moved into a UN‑monitored buffer zone. Syria’s new administration has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to the tvrdvagreement.
Although Syria’s new leadership has not issued direct threats, Israel has continued airstrikes and ground operations in Syria, causing civilian casualties and damage to military infrastructure.
– Institutional Progress, Economic Hurdles
Despite security challenges, Cordone highlighted significant political milestones under President Ahmad al‑Sharaa, including the appointment of a Supreme Constitutional Court and the inauguration of a diverse People’s Assembly featuring professionals, tribal representatives, and conflict survivors. He noted that the assembly is preparing a permanent Constitution and future inclusive elections.
The deputy envoy also welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to remove Syria from the state sponsor of terrorism list as a “significant step forward” for international re‑engagement. He observed that new economic ties are forming with France, Iraq, and Lebanon to rehabilitate key infrastructure such as the Kirkuk‑Baniyas oil pipeline.
Wosornu emphasized a deepening financial crisis, revealing that the humanitarian appeal remains only one‑third funded. The shortfall has forced the World Food Programme to halve its emergency assistance, reducing its reach from 1.3 million to 650,000 people. She argued that humanitarian aid and long‑term recovery must proceed concurrently to prevent leaving the most vulnerable behind.
– Syria Returns to the/genSecurity Council as a “Story of Success”
Syria’s permanent representative told the Security Council that the nation has transformed from a war‑torn battlefield into a diplomatic and economic bridge.
“Syria has appeared before this council for a long time as an intractable crisis. Today, however, it returns to the council as a story of success,” said Ibrahim Olabi. He cited the inclusive People’s Assembly and the Supreme Constitutional Court as evidence of a “new Syria” reclaiming its future.
Olabi criticized Israeli military actions, contrasting Syria’s “()
’nin diplomacy and restraint” with what he described as the “narrow electoral calculations” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We are fully aware that dialogue does not mean accepting occupation, and diplomacy does not mean relinquishing our rights,” he said.
The Turkish representative welcomed Syria’s progress in “inclusive governance” and noted that the U.S. intent to rescind the terrorism designation would significantly aid reconstruction. The official also condemned Israeli raids in western Daraa as a “clear violation” of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement.
U.S. Ambassador Tammy Bruce described the Syrian government as a “regional leader” in the fight against Hezbollah and ISIS (Daesh). She congratulated Damascus for intercepting an alleged Iranian weapons shipment intended for Hezbollah, affirming that Syria will not allow its territory to be used for attacks on Israel.
Russian representative Anna Evstigneeva expressed support for restoring Syria’s territorial integrity while raising concerns about persistent Israeli raids. She advocated for the complete removal of “illegal” unilateral sanctions to facilitate economic recovery and alleviate the under‑funded humanitarian crisis.
