Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa delivered a speech at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, reaffirming Syria’s claim to the Golan Heights and condemning recent Israeli military actions in the region.
In his address, al-Sharaa stated that the Golan Heights is an inseparable part of Syria, rejecting Israel’s control over the territory. He cited more than 500 airstrikes, 1,200 land incursions, and nearly 300 detentions by Israel in Syria since he assumed office nearly two years ago. The Syrian leader also referenced the 1967 Six-Day War, during which Israel captured the Golan Heights, and the 1981 annexation, which remains unrecognized by the United Nations and most of the international community.
Al-Sharaa called for adherence to international law and criticized Israel’s military actions, stating, “No attempts at imposing a fait accompli can undermine the legitimacy of our state, the sovereignty of our law, or the force of international law.”
Syria-Israel Negotiations and October 7 Context
During a separate event on the sidelines of the UNGA, al-Sharaa revealed that Syria and Israel had reached 90% agreement in past negotiations, though he did not specify a timeline. He also addressed the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, stating that it should not dictate Israel’s broader policy toward Syria. Al-Sharaa acknowledged the civilian casualties in the attack but argued that Israel’s security concerns should not overshadow regional stability.
“I understand what happened on October 7 to some of the innocent people,” he said. “But at the same time, it is not possible that all policies are set based on an incident that happened in history.”
He contrasted the casualties in Israel with the death toll in Gaza, which he claimed exceeded 70,000 people, including many women and children.
International Reactions and Broader Context
Romanian President Nicusor Dan addressed Iran’s nuclear program during the UNGA, urging the Islamic Republic to halt its efforts to develop nuclear weapons. His remarks came as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian prepared to deliver his own speech later in the day.
Al-Sharaa also highlighted Syria’s progress in dismantling its chemical weapons program in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stating that the country had transitioned from crisis to opportunity. He emphasized Syria’s commitment to regional stability and the rule of law, while accusing Israel of violating Syrian sovereignty.
Historical and Political Background
Al-Sharaa, who was born in Riyadh to Syrian parents, adopted the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolani during his leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group previously linked to al-Qaeda. His family fled the Golan Heights during the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and his speech underscored Syria’s longstanding territorial claims.
The Golan Heights remains a contentious issue in Middle Eastern geopolitics, with Israel maintaining control over the territory while Syria and the international community continue to reject its annexation. The UN has repeatedly called for Israel’s withdrawal to pre-1967 borders, a stance reiterated by al-Sharaa in his address.
Syria’s claims to the Golan Heights have been a recurring theme in regional diplomacy, with past negotiations yielding partial agreements but no lasting resolution. Al-Sharaa’s remarks at the UNGA signal Syria’s continued insistence on reclaiming the territory, despite Israel’s de facto control.