The Albany Gazette - Syria warns Israeli actions could push region toward wider war

Syria’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, has accused Israel of pushing the region toward a wider war through continuing strikes and incursions in Syrian territory. He spoke during a UN Security Council session on Syria’s humanitarian conditions and political transition after the Assad government.

Olabi said Israel had carried out eight airstrikes on Abu Al-Duhur airbase and continued abductions, shelling and other violations. He criticised Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz for visiting Israeli forces on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon and saying they would remain indefinitely.

Syria was exercising restraint and participating in US-sponsored efforts to reduce tensions, Olabi said. He called for Israel to halt attacks and incursions, comply with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and withdraw from territory occupied since December 8, 2024. He also reiterated that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory.

Olabi contrasted the Israeli operations with Syria’s efforts to secure its borders, dismantle drug-trafficking networks and address institutions inherited from the former government. He said stability remained Damascus’s chosen course.

The ambassador welcomed a US decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism after 47 years and thanked President Donald Trump. He also cited closer relations with Russia, China and Pakistan and said the Syrian Democratic Forces had been integrated into and dissolved within the Syrian Arab Army as part of a national process based on equal citizenship.

(R.White--TAG)