Accra:The UN has called upon Israel to cease its violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and to fully respect Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Claudio Cordone, addressed the UN Security Council, emphasizing the need for Israel to adhere to the agreement and respect Syria's borders.
According to Anadolu Agency, Cordone reported ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Syria, including construction work, checkpoints, searches, and detentions. A civilian was fatally shot near an Israeli military position on October 5. He also highlighted that 49 people are reportedly in Israeli custody, mentioning a separate incident on September 23 when 14 members of an Israeli group crossed into Syria before being returned by Israeli forces.
Israel's military presence has increased since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, with troops deployed into the demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights under security claims. Damascus demands a full withdrawal from occupied areas, reaffirming its commitment to the 1974 accord. Cordone stated that diplomacy remains the only viable path for resolving security issues in accordance with international law.
On economic matters, Cordone noted that currency depreciation and rising fuel costs are diminishing purchasing power for essentials, despite some stabilization from sanctions relief and international support, including £620 million ($692 million) from the EU and $175 million from a World Bank agricultural initiative. The UN is considering an international conference for Syria's recovery and reconstruction, aligned with the country's priorities.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mohammed Yahya, noted that despite over 3.8 million returning refugees and internally displaced persons, more than 5.5 million Syrians remain displaced. Over 770,000 live in camps where women and children make up three-quarters of the population. Yahya stressed the importance of not only helping families return but also enabling them to rebuild their lives, as explosive ordnance has caused 2,500 casualties since December 2024. The 2026 response plan is currently only 32% funded.
Civil society leader George Batah highlighted that 2.7 million children are out of school, with around 8,000 educational facilities non-functional. He argued that investment in education is crucial for rebuilding. Hajir Maalim, Plan International's Regional Director, warned that with only 16.5% of the sector's $337 million requirement funded, an entire generation risks being left behind.
The US acknowledged Syria's progress on political, humanitarian, and security fronts during the meeting.