UN chief Guterres demands end to Israeli violations in Syria, urges support for country's transition

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate end to Israeli violations within Syria and urged the international community to back the war-torn nation's transition. Guterres, the first UN chief to visit Syria since the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, stressed the critical need to respect Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity.

Speaking at a press conference, Guterres stated, "What is happening in the region around the Golan Heights is totally unacceptable." He reiterated that the plateau, occupied by Israel since 1974, is Syrian territory. Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Shaibani echoed this sentiment, demanding an "immediate and unconditional withdrawal" of Israeli forces that advanced into Syrian territory after al-Assad's fall.

Despite ongoing tensions, Guterres affirmed the UN's readiness to support Syria's political transition. This includes assisting efforts to ensure transitional justice, draft a permanent constitution, and hold free and fair elections. The UN chief met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa and other Syrian officials in Damascus to discuss the country's political and humanitarian future.

Israel deployed troops to the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights and conducted incursions into Syrian territory, citing a desire for a "security zone." However, Guterres's visit and calls for de-escalation signal a potential shift in international engagement with Syria as it navigates its post-conflict landscape.