The UN’s Guterres condemned violations of Syria’s sovereignty as he visited and referred to as for sanctions to be lifted.
Printed On 26 Jul 2026
The top of the United Nations has condemned the persistent violation of Syria’s sovereignty, as Israel’s forces reportedly carried out new incursions into its neighbour’s territory.
Israeli troopers superior in the direction of villages in southwestern Syria on Sunday, establishing a checkpoint at Al-Ardah, whereas shelling was additionally heard close by, Syria’s state information company SANA reported. Leaflets have been dropped warning residents towards trying to impede the advance of Israeli automobiles.
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The incursion got here as United Nations Secretary-Basic Antonio Guterres, on a go to to Syria, condemned Israel’s violations.
“Syria’s sovereignty, independence, unity & territorial integrity should be absolutely revered,” he wrote in a social media submit. “Violations by Israel of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Settlement are unacceptable & should cease.”
Talking at a press convention on Sunday, he stated that the UN is ready to submit a complete report back to the UN Safety Council on the difficulty on the finish of the month.
‘Safety zone’
Israel has carried out more and more common incursions into Syrian territory for the reason that fall of the regime of ousted President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Within the fast aftermath, it seized management of the UN-controlled buffer zone separating the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from the remainder of Syria, saying the 1974 disengagement settlement with Syria had collapsed.
Since then, Israel has carried out common assaults, raids and searches, and established army checkpoints additional inside Syria.
Israeli officers say they intend to stay in southern Syria, in what they name a “safety zone”.
Syria’s International Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani referred to as for Israel’s withdrawal from the buffer zone on Saturday, saying its continued army operations and occupation are a “direct risk to the safety of the area”.
In an unique interview with Al Jazeera’s Al Muqabala, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Damascus was working to succeed in a safety settlement with Israel, involving a gaggle of nations.
“If the safety settlement with Israel succeeds, it would pave the best way for complete peace with out conceding Syria’s proper to the occupied Golan [Heights],” he stated.
He stated that Syria has “no curiosity” in getting into a confrontation with Israel.
Guterres’s go to to Syria is the primary by a UN chief to the nation since 2009. He’s anticipated to go to the UN Disengagement Observer Drive (UNDOF), which has been deployed to the buffer zone since 1974.
On Sunday, he described the nation as being at a “second of alternative” to recuperate from its 13-year struggle, and construct a extra steady, inclusive and affluent future.
The UN chief urged the removing of all sanctions imposed on the nation throughout the period of al-Assad, who was deposed by forces led by al-Sharaa in 2024 after over a decade of civil struggle.
“I welcome steps which have eased sanctions, and opening new potentialities for financial restoration, however all these sanctions should be eliminated instantly,” Guterres stated.
Western nations together with the USA have begun lifting financial sanctions, however buyers stay cautious. The World Financial institution has estimated the nation’s post-war reconstruction may price $216bn.
“The United Nations stands with the individuals of Syria at this pivotal second. And I got here carrying the strongest attainable enchantment to the worldwide group, an enchantment to spare no effort to assist the Syrian individuals and to assist the Syrian authorities,” Guterres stated.
