Human Rights Advocates Call on UNSC to Address Israel’s Violations in Southern Syria

In a recent statement, the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has urged the UN Security Council to take immediate and decisive action against the ongoing Israeli aggression towards Syria, emphasizing the need to uphold Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The rights organization highlighted that the situation demands a full withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from southern Syria and strict adherence to international law.

The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor’s statement, released on Sunday, outlines serious concerns regarding Israel’s military actions in Syria, which they classify as a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. The watchdog elaborated that Israel is attempting to create a new reality through illegal annexations and is expanding its military presence in southern Syria, as reported by the Middle East Monitor.

Key points raised by the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor include:

• Exploitation of Political Instability: The organization noted that Israel has taken advantage of the political instability following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s government in December 2024. This situation has facilitated a large-scale military campaign aimed at dismantling the Syrian army’s capabilities, thereby weakening Syria’s national sovereignty.
• Termination of Agreements: Israel has unilaterally ended the 1974 demilitarization agreement, which previously helped to maintain peace along the border. This act has allowed the Israeli army to occupy the buffer zone, a clear violation of international law.
• Military Expansion: The rights group revealed that Israel has established nine military sites in Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights, while also intensifying its incursions into Syrian villages and towns in the Sweida and Quneitra governorates.

Furthermore, the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor pointed out that the international community’s failure to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza has emboldened it to escalate violations of international law. The statement emphasized that this lack of accountability has allowed Israel to disregard moral and legal obligations and operate as if it were above the law.

As the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor stated, “This international failure has enabled Israel to completely evade any moral or legal obligations, allowing it to act as an entity above the law, and pushing it to impose new facts by force without any fear of consequences, in a blatant challenge to the entire international system and a deliberate attempt to undermine the global legal system.”

The situation has been exacerbated by statements from senior Israeli officials acknowledging their occupation of Syrian territories. Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on February 23 that Israel would not permit the presence of the Syrian army south of Damascus, declaring that southern Syria would be “demilitarized” and reinforcing Israel’s military presence in the region.

This ongoing conflict raises significant concerns about regional stability and the implications for international law. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor’s call for action from the UN Security Council emphasizes the urgent need for global intervention to restore peace and uphold the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The international community is urged to recognize the severity of the situation and take proactive measures to address these violations. It is crucial for the UN Security Council to act decisively to ensure that Israel complies with international law and respects the sovereignty of Syria.

In conclusion, the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor’s report serves as a critical reminder of the need for accountability and justice in the face of ongoing aggression. The situation in Syria is not only a regional issue but also a global concern that requires a unified response to uphold international norms and prevent further escalation of violence.

Continued monitoring and advocacy from organizations like the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor are essential for raising awareness and fostering dialogue among nations to address these pressing issues effectively.