13 oC 
Güneşli
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a sharp condemnation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the occupied buffer zone in southern Syria, calling it a “blatant violation” of the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law.
In a statement released Thursday, the ministry denounced the trip undertaken by Netanyahu alongside Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and senior military officials to the UN-supervised disengagement zone. Damascus said the move represented yet another provocation by the occupying regime.
“Syria firmly condemns the illegal visit of the Israeli prime minister, defense and foreign ministers, along with other occupying officials, to the south of the Syrian Arab Republic. This constitutes a clear violation of Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and relevant UN Security Council resolutions,” the statement read.
The ministry said the visit was an attempt to impose a fait accompli and part of Israel’s “ongoing policy of aggression and continued breaches against Syrian territory.” It reiterated that all Israeli actions in southern Syria remain “null, void, and legally invalid under international law.”
Reaffirming its longstanding position, Syria once again called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all occupied Syrian lands. The ministry urged the international community to intervene and halt Israel’s “escalatory practices,” stressing the need for full compliance with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
“Damascus will continue defending its sovereignty and rights until every inch of Syrian land is restored,” the statement added.
According to Israeli media, Netanyahu’s visit early Wednesday included a security briefing with Israeli forces deployed in the buffer zone, where he reviewed recent military activities and praised troops stationed there amid heightened tensions along the border.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz recently stated that Israeli forces would maintain their presence in the region, including on the Syrian side of Mount Hermon, following political developments in Damascus in late 2024. (lLKHA)
LEGAL WARNING: All rights of the published news, photos and videos are reserved by İlke Haber Ajansı Basın Yayın San. Trade A.Ş. Under no circumstances can all or part of the news, photos and videos be used without a written contract or subscription.
Türkiye-based Orphans Foundation (Yetimler Vakfı) is building an orphanage complex in Bangladesh to provide children without parental care with a safe living environment and better access to education, the organisation said.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy while accusing Washington of undermining negotiations through military attacks, telling Russian President Vladimir Putin that Iran would not abandon the negotiating table.
The Israel regime has accelerated military fortification activities in Syria’s Quneitra countryside, including the construction of trenches, earth barriers and military positions, raising concerns over attempts to create a new security line inside Syrian territory.
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in parts of the United States as Hurricane Isaias strengthens while moving toward the country’s Gulf Coast.
