Secretary-General Guterres issued a note to journalists on Thursday, expressing deep concern over violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in recent days.
The armed group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control of the Syrian capital Damascus and other cities last Sunday and now de facto rules the country.
Subsequently, the Israeli military seized control of several areas separating Israel and Syria, including a key garrison in the city and a Syrian military outpost located in the Golan border area.
The Security Council established the United Nations Observer Mission (UNDOF) in May 1974 to maintain a ceasefire between the two countries in the Golan border area between Syria and Israel.
According to the information received so far, the Israeli military has not only entered the demilitarized zone separating the two countries, but has also launched ‘defensive’ attacks on weapons depots, military installations and airstrips in Syria and carried out other airstrikes.
The UN chief has called for the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Golan Heights, a strategically important and demilitarized zone. However, Israel says that Israeli troops are temporarily present in this zone.
‘The conflict must end’
Secretary-General Guterres noted that the two countries must respect a 1974 agreement to maintain distance between their militaries and must eliminate the presence of military forces without permission.
In his statement, the UN Secretary General expressed deep concern over the Israeli airstrikes in several areas of Syria and stressed the need for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict and tensions on all fronts.
Much of Syria is currently not under the control of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Southern Syria, the northeast and other areas are under the control of many armed groups. Kurdish fighters have captured the northeastern city of Deir ez-Zor.
Terrorist groups identified as ISIL affiliates control areas of central Syria that have been targeted by US warplanes this week.