Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar, have strongly condemned Israel's recent actions in seizing the buffer zone that separates the occupied Golan Heights from the rest of Syria. The move has sparked outrage and accusations of violating international law and undermining Syria's security and territorial integrity.
The Saudi foreign ministry issued a statement denouncing Israel's actions as a clear violation of international law and an attempt to disrupt Syria's efforts to restore stability. The Arab League and Jordan also criticized Israel for taking advantage of the internal situation in Syria and infringing on the sovereignty of an Arab state.
Qatar and Egypt joined the chorus of condemnation, with Qatar describing Israel's actions as a serious escalation and an imposition of new realities through land seizures. Egypt's foreign ministry expressed concern that Israel's actions were exploiting the fluid situation in Syria to occupy more Syrian territories.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directive to the military to take control of the buffer zone has drawn international scrutiny. The United Nations has confirmed Israeli troops' presence in the buffer zone, which violates the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement with Syria. The UN's Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has warned Israel about the violation of the agreement.
The situation remains tense as Israel maintains its presence in the buffer zone, prompting strong reactions from neighboring countries and international bodies. The ongoing developments have raised concerns about the implications for regional stability and adherence to international norms.
