Pakistan demands Israel’s withdrawal from Syria, condemns strikes

UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s continued military actions in Syria, calling for an immediate withdrawal from all occupied Syrian territory and urging strict compliance with the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council briefing on Syria’s humanitarian and political situation on Monday, October 12, Pakistan’s Acting Permanent Representative, Ambassador Usman Jadoon, warned that Israeli military activities violated international law and undermined Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He cautioned that continued military escalation threatened regional peace and stability at a time when Syria was attempting to rebuild its institutions and navigate a difficult political transition.

Pakistan reiterates demand over occupied Golan Heights

Jadoon reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that the occupied Syrian Golan remained Syrian territory under international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 338 and 497.

He called on Israel to withdraw from occupied Syrian land and respect the international agreements governing the separation of forces.

Pakistan also reaffirmed its support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that the country’s political future should be shaped through an inclusive process that promotes national reconciliation.

The Pakistani envoy welcomed renewed diplomatic engagement and efforts to restore national institutions, expressing optimism about Syria’s future. He also welcomed progress in engagement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Addressing unresolved challenges, including tensions in Suweida, Jadoon called for dialogue and peaceful engagement rather than measures that could deepen divisions within the country.

Reconstruction and humanitarian aid remain priorities

Highlighting Syria’s growing economic and humanitarian needs, the ambassador said sustained international assistance would be essential to rebuilding the war-affected country.

He stressed that sanctions relief, greater investment and stronger regional and international economic partnerships could help revive the Syrian economy and improve living conditions for its people.

Jadoon also underscored the importance of remaining vigilant against Daesh and other terrorist organisations, including foreign terrorist fighters. He backed efforts to strengthen Syria’s security apparatus and national institutions.

Reaffirming the longstanding relationship between Islamabad and Damascus, he said Pakistan would continue supporting Syria’s pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity.

UN concerns grow over Israeli military operations

Pakistan’s statement comes amid mounting international concern over Israel’s activities inside Syrian territory.

Last month, a UN commission investigating Syria expressed alarm over Israeli military operations, warning that certain actions, including the detention of civilians, could amount to war crimes.

In August, Syrian state media reported that eight Israeli airstrikes had struck an airbase in northwestern Syria. The US envoy for the region described the strikes as an “unnecessary escalation”.

Following the overthrow of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, Israel seized positions in southwestern Syria and targeted significant portions of the Syrian military’s heavy weapons and equipment.

Israeli officials have voiced concerns about the background of Syria’s new leadership.

Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s intervention at the Security Council underscores Islamabad’s call for respect for international law, an end to military escalation and a political process that safeguards Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.