France Urges Israel to Withdraw from Golan Heights Buffer Zone
In a significant diplomatic move, France has called on Israel to withdraw its forces from the buffer zone in the Golan Heights, emphasizing the need to respect Syria's sovereignty. The French Foreign Ministry stated that any military presence in this area constitutes a violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which was established to maintain peace between Israel and Syria. This statement follows Israel's recent announcement of control over the buffer zone after the regime of ousted President Bashar al-Assad fell.
International Condemnation of Israeli Actions
The call from France has been echoed by several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, and Turkey, all condemning Israel's military actions in Syria. The Russian Foreign Ministry highlighted that Israel's operations violate the longstanding treaty between Israel and Syria, which was designed to stabilize the region post-conflict. Additionally, the United Nations has warned Israel that its actions breach the agreement signed nearly 50 years ago, with reports indicating that Israeli forces have occupied multiple sites within the buffer zone.
Israeli Military Operations in Syria
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has stated that the objective is to establish a
pure defense zone
in southern Syria. The Israeli military has reportedly conducted extensive operations, including 350 air raids targeting strategic military sites and weapon depots of the Syrian army since the start of their recent campaign. Reports suggest that approximately 80% of the military capabilities of Assad's regime have been neutralized. As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely, with calls for restraint and adherence to international agreements.