Belgium condemns Israeli strikes in Syria, calls for sovereignty

The Belgian government has issued a statement expressing "deep concern" over ongoing Israeli military strikes and ground incursions into Syrian territory. In a message published on the social media platform X, the Belgian Foreign Ministry asserted that these recurrent actions heighten regional tensions and jeopardize security. The ministry specifically stressed the fundamental principle of respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, linking the operations to reports of civilian casualties.

Context of the Strikes and Broader Violations

The diplomatic rebuke follows reports of Israeli airstrikes targeting locations within Syria, including the area of Beit Jin. Belgium's statement aligns with a growing international focus on the volatility of the Syrian-Israeli frontier. This situation has been further complicated by Israel's expansion of control within the Syrian Golan Heights following the political changes in Damascus in late 2024, an action considered a violation of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel and Syria.

Regional Stability and International Law

By invoking sovereignty and territorial integrity, Belgium's position underscores core tenets of international law that are frequently referenced in discussions on the Syrian conflict. The call for restraint highlights Western European apprehension that continued cross-border military operations could trigger a broader regional escalation. The statement also implicitly addresses the humanitarian impact, noting concerns over civilian harm resulting from the attacks.

Türkiye's Regional Role and Stakes

As a NATO member and key regional actor, Belgium's public stance contributes to the spectrum of international opinions on the Syria-Israel front. The stability of Syria's borders is of direct strategic interest to neighboring Türkiye, which maintains a significant military presence in northern Syria and advocates for the preservation of the country's territorial unity. Developments in southern Syria, therefore, have ripple effects on Türkiye's security calculus and its diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Syrian conflict.