Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, reiterating his country's stance on the Golan Heights. He emphasized that the region will remain under Syrian sovereignty, despite recent recognitions by other countries of Israeli control over the territory. Al-Sharaa's comments come amid heightened tensions between Syria and Israel, with the Syrian leader denouncing repeated Israeli strikes on his country.
The Golan Heights, a strategically important region, has been a point of contention between Syria and Israel for decades. In 1967, Israel captured the territory from Syria, and in 1981, it annexed the region, a move that was met with international criticism. The United Nations has consistently maintained that the Golan Heights is Syrian territory under Israeli military occupation. Recently, Colombia recognized Israeli sovereignty over the region, sparking concerns among Syrian leaders.
President al-Sharaa's address at the UN General Assembly also touched on the issue of Israeli aggression against Syria. He reported that since the fall of former dictator Bashar al-Assad, Israel has launched over 500 air strikes, carried out more than 1,200 incursions, and detained over 300 Syrians. Al-Sharaa described these actions as reminiscent of a bygone era and at odds with global efforts towards peace and security.
Despite the tensions with Israel, al-Sharaa expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He noted that Syria is open to negotiations and that discussions with Israel had previously resolved nearly 90 percent of the outstanding issues required for a security agreement. The Syrian leader emphasized that a just peace that maintains the rights of all parties is essential.
The international community has been closely watching the developments in the region, with the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, reiterating in July that the Golan Heights is part of Syria and describing Israeli occupation as "totally unacceptable". The United States had previously been the only country to recognize Israel's annexation of the territory in 1981.
Al-Sharaa's comments at the UN General Assembly reflect the Syrian government's firm stance on the Golan Heights. He warned that any attempts to violate Syrian sovereignty and international law would be met with resistance. The Syrian leader's address also highlighted the need for global cooperation to address the challenges posed by aggression and occupation.
The situation in the Golan Heights remains a critical issue in the region, with implications for peace and security. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the conflict, President al-Sharaa's statements underscore the importance of finding a just and lasting solution that respects the sovereignty and rights of all parties involved.
Key points
- Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa reaffirms his country's sovereignty over the Golan Heights at the UN General Assembly.
- Colombian recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights has sparked concerns among Syrian leaders.
- President al-Sharaa reports over 500 Israeli air strikes on Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad.
