UN urges Israel to stop breaches of 1974 cease-fire pact and respect Syrian sovereignty

During a UN Security Council session, Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone reiterated the Secretary-General’s appeal for Israel to end violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement and to honor Syria’s sovereignty. He described daily Israeli operations in southern Syria, such as extensive construction, checkpoints, searches, detentions and the fatal shooting of a civilian on Oct. 5. Cordone reported that 49 individuals remain in Israeli custody and referenced a Sept. 23 episode when 14 Israeli settlers entered Syrian territory before being returned.

He stressed that diplomacy, consistent with international law, is the only path to a security arrangement, and noted Syria’s demand for a full withdrawal from occupied areas. The UN also discussed economic challenges, citing EU and World Bank funding, and highlighted the need for sustained support for Syria’s reconstruction and humanitarian response.