The Golan Heights issue, ongoing since 1967, remains central in diplomatic talks. Syria emphasizes prioritizing peaceful and diplomatic solutions, while UN resolutions define Israel’s occupation as a violation of international law.

Status and History of the Golan Heights

Syria’s UN Permanent Representative, Ambassador Ibrahim Ulabi, stated that the occupied Golan Heights is Syrian territory and emphasized Syria’s right to reclaim the entire area from Israel. Ulabi noted that negotiations with Israel have been conducted under the supervision of US President Donald Trump, and that the future of the Golan Heights was not addressed in these talks.

The Golan Heights was occupied by Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967, which also resulted in Israel taking control of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and the islands of Tiran and Sanafir. The Golan Heights is located in the Kuneytra region, 60 kilometers from Damascus, and was completely destroyed by Israel during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War.

Syria launched a military operation, also known as the October War, to recover territories lost in 1967, but the initiative failed. In 1974, Israel and Syria withdrew forces from the Golan, ending military conflict, and UN peacekeeping forces were deployed. Israel later unilaterally declared annexation of the Golan Heights, but the international community has not recognized this move.

UN Resolution and International Response

The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring Israel’s occupation and de facto annexation of the Golan illegal. The resolution, submitted by Egypt, was voted on with 123 countries in favor, 7 countries including Israel and the US against, and 41 abstentions.

The resolution declares Israel’s occupation and de facto annexation of Golan in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 497 (1981). It states that the ongoing occupation is an obstacle to achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace. The resolution also calls on Israel to resume negotiations along Syrian and Lebanese lines, respect previous agreements, and withdraw to the 4 June 1967 borders.

Ulabi’s Statement

Ambassador Ulabi reiterated that the occupied Golan Heights is Syrian territory and that Syria has the right to fully recover it. He stressed that Syria prioritizes peaceful and diplomatic means and highlighted that talks with Israel aim to address security concerns.