Qatar, Saudi, and Iraq Condemn Israel's Land Grab in Syria

Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Iran have all strongly condemned Israel's recent land grab in Syria, near the occupied Golan Heights. The move has sparked a series of reactions from these countries, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region. As Israel continues to launch airstrikes across Syria, the international community is increasingly focused on the violations of international law that these actions represent.

Qatar's Strong Rejection of Israeli Actions

On Monday, Qatar's Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over Israel’s actions, calling the seizure of land in Syria "a dangerous development." Doha emphasized that the Israeli incursion constitutes "a blatant attack on Syria’s sovereignty and unity" and represents a "flagrant violation of international law." Qatar also warned that Israel’s policy of altering facts on the ground by attempting to occupy Syrian territory could lead to even greater violence and instability in the region.

Saudi Arabia Condemns Israel’s Violations

Saudi Arabia also condemned Israel’s actions, highlighting the ongoing violations of international law. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that these actions demonstrate Israel's determination to undermine Syria’s efforts to restore its security, stability, and territorial integrity. Saudi Arabia urged the international community to take a stand against Israel's actions, asserting that the Golan Heights remains an occupied Arab territory under international law.

Iraq’s Criticism and Call for International Action

Iraq joined the condemnation, describing Israel’s actions as a "grave violation under international law." The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Iraq called on the UN Security Council to take action, denouncing the aggression and working to halt Israel's land grabs.

Iran Joins the Condemnation

Iran echoed the criticisms of Israel's actions, labeling the incursion a direct violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei called the attack a "flagrant violation," underscoring the regional concerns about the escalation of violence.

Israel’s Seizure of the Buffer Zone

The conflict escalated when Israel seized a buffer zone separating the Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied since 1967, from areas controlled by Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the move was part of an effort to strengthen Israel’s hold on the region. Netanyahu insisted that the Golan Heights will remain under Israeli control "for eternity."

Israel's occupation of most of the Golan Heights in 1967, and its subsequent annexation of the territory in 1981, has long been condemned by the international community. The United Nations has consistently affirmed that the territory is Syrian land under international law, and Israel’s actions in the region are illegal.

The International Response

The UN also expressed concern over Israel’s latest actions. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, condemned the land seizure as a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria. The UN peacekeeping force deployed in the Golan Heights, known as UNDOF, reported that Israeli forces had entered the zone and had taken up positions in three locations.

Israel’s Military Strikes Across Syria

In addition to the land grab, Israel has launched more than 100 airstrikes across Syria since the toppling of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government on Sunday. The airstrikes have targeted Syrian military sites, including airbases near Damascus, Homs, and Qamishli, as well as assets in the coastal city of Latakia. Israel has stated that its actions are in response to security threats posed by Syrian instability and armed opposition forces near the Israeli border.