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Israel Advances Into Southwestern Syria as Guterres Condemns Action — AI-generated representative image: Israeli military checkpoint established near Al-Ardah in southwestern Syria amid ongoing tensions over territorial sovereignt

Editorial Team

UN chief calls for end to sovereignty violations, sanctions removal during first Syria visit since 2009

Israeli forces advanced into villages in southwestern Syria on Sunday, setting up a checkpoint at Al-Ardah and dropping leaflets warning residents not to obstruct military vehicles, as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned what he described as persistent violations of Syria's sovereignty. Syria's state news agency SANA also reported shelling heard near the area of the incursion.

The latest military movement marks an escalation in Israel's expanding operations inside Syrian territory since the fall of the Assad government in December 2024. Guterres, speaking from Syria during his first visit to the country as UN chief in 17 years, said the violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement are unacceptable and must stop, underscoring the growing international concern over regional stability.

Key Developments

Israeli soldiers advanced toward villages in southwestern Syria on Sunday, establishing a checkpoint at Al-Ardah. SANA reported that shelling was heard nearby and leaflets were dropped warning residents not to obstruct Israeli vehicles.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel's violations during a visit to Syria, stating on social media: "Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity must be fully respected. Violations by Israel of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement are unacceptable and must stop."
Guterres announced that the UN will submit a comprehensive report to the UN Security Council on the matter at the end of the month.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani called for Israel's withdrawal from the buffer zone on Saturday, describing continued military operations as a "direct threat to the security of the region."
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said Damascus is working on a security agreement with Israel involving a group of countries, adding that Syria has "no interest" in confrontation with Israel.

Background of the Disengagement Zone

Israel has conducted increasingly regular incursions into Syrian territory since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. In the immediate aftermath of Assad's ouster, Israeli forces seized control of the UN-controlled buffer zone separating the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from the rest of Syria, citing the collapse of the 1974 disengagement agreement. Since then, Israel has carried out repeated attacks, raids and searches inside Syria and established military checkpoints deeper within the country. Israeli officials have stated their intention to remain in southern Syria in what they describe as a "security zone."

Guterres's visit to Syria is the first by a UN chief since 2009. He is expected to visit the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), which has been deployed to monitor the buffer zone since 1974.

Official Statements and Positions

Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Guterres described Syria as being at a "moment of opportunity" to recover from its 13-year war and build a more stable and prosperous future. He urged the complete removal of all sanctions imposed during the Assad era, saying: "I welcome steps that have eased sanctions, and opening new possibilities for economic recovery, but all these sanctions must be removed immediately."

Western countries, including the United States, have begun lifting economic sanctions, though investors remain cautious. The World Bank has estimated Syria's post-war reconstruction could cost $216 billion. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Syrian President al-Sharaa said that if a security agreement with Israel succeeds, it could "pave the way for comprehensive peace without conceding Syria's right to the occupied Golan Heights."

What Lies Ahead

The UN is expected to submit a detailed report to the Security Council by the end of the month regarding Israel's violations of the 1974 agreement. Guterres reiterated the UN's commitment to supporting Syria's recovery, stating: "The United Nations stands with the people of Syria at this pivotal moment. I came carrying the strongest possible appeal to the international community to spare no effort to support the Syrian people and the Syrian government." Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Damascus and Israel, mediated through a group of countries, remain ongoing.

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