Arab leaders throughout the Middle East expressed their disapproval of Israel’s latest takeover of Syrian territory close to the occupied Golan Heights, as Israel continues its military campaign, including multiple airstrikes throughout Syria, following the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad by armed opposition forces on Sunday.
A statement released by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry on Monday termed the Israeli actions “a dangerous development and a blatant attack on Syria’s sovereignty and unity as well as a flagrant violation of international law.” It also warned that the polity of Israel to create facts on the ground through “its attempts to annex Syrian lands” will only increase violence and tension in the “already volatile region.”.
Saudi Arabia chimed in its criticism of Israel’s actions. The country’s foreign ministry said on Monday Israeli practices testify to its continuous declaration of disdain for all international legal principles and an attempt to undermine the efforts of Syria to reach security, stability, and territorial integrity. The Kingdom reaffirmed that the Golan Heights are occupied Arab land whose liberation must be sought later and urged the international community to condemn Israeli aggression.
These views were echoed by Baghdad, which described Israel’s conduct as a “severe breach of international law.” The UN Security Council was urged by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to acknowledge its obligation to condemn this assault and act quickly to stop Israel’s further expansionism. Iraq called for quick international condemnation of Israel’s military incursions and reaffirmed its unflinching support for preserving Syria’s integrity and sovereignty.
Esmail Baghaei, the spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also voiced support for the regional stream in a similar outburst. He said that the actions of Israel were “violation” not only of Syrian sovereignty, but also of the basic principles of the UN. He described the incursions as blatantly defying the charter of the United Nations, and indicated that Iran is prepared to counter what it terms as illicit and destabilizing moves by Israel in the heart of the Middle East.
These all statements have complicated lot beneath it; these very complex turns of a labyrinth of alliances and rivalries, all of which play a vital role in the geopolitics surrounding the region. Many experts see that Israel’s strong and aggressive footprint across Syria is its way of protecting its very own interests in the region during the havoc of the post-toppling of Assad. However, the method pulled itself to the large-scale backlash that has brought unity among the most diverse Middle Eastern states and the shouts for reappraising the Israeli actions.
This new development is, therefore, a reminder that the Middle East peace and stability are highly fragile. This is in view of the fact that the Golan Heights which remains a territorial dispute after the Six-Day War in 1967 is still occupied by Israel. It was annexed in 1981, however no other country for that matter the UN recognizes this annexation so the territory is still occupied by Israel.
As such, analysts are left wondering that we are heading towards more tension, or even conflict. The international community in particularly seems to be calling for measured and peaceful response to the situations. But the way to the decision is blocked by deep-seated suspicion and opposed national interests.
And as the world watches, the message of talking and negotiating is louder and more resonant than ever before. More so, the region is faced with countless histories that are complex and the political barriers that have to be overcome continue to present a challenge as the search for, and attainment of, peace and stability goes on. As capitals ranging from Doha to Baghdad call for Israel’s accountability, the reaction of the international community to these key demands remains unknown.
