Türkiye at UN condemns Israel Syria strikes, welcomes US delisting

Türkiye's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ahmet Yildiz on Thursday condemned Israel's continued attacks on Syria as violations of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, while welcoming Washington's decision to remove Damascus from its list of state sponsors of terrorism during a Security Council meeting on Middle East developments.

US removes Syria from terrorism list

Yildiz noted that Syria was steadily advancing toward stabilization despite continuing challenges, welcoming progress by the country’s People’s Assembly toward becoming a fully functioning legislative institution. "Sustaining momentum in these areas will be essential to strengthening public confidence in the state institutions and advancing an inclusive political process," he said.

The envoy also commended the visit by International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi to Syria and praised Damascus for its cooperation with the agency. Addressing the US decision specifically, Yildiz said: "We commend the constructive approach of the US administration and congratulate the Syrian government and people." He added that the move would give further impetus to Syria’s economic recovery and reconstruction, strengthen its position in the international community and contribute to lasting security and stability.

Israel accused of violating sovereignty

Yildiz warned that Israel continued to undermine Syria's positive trajectory through what he described as destabilizing actions. "The recent airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase constitute yet another example of such actions," he said.

"We condemn Israel’s relentless attacks targeting Syria’s infrastructure and capabilities in blatant violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity," Yildiz added, stating that Israel’s aggression, which continues to affect civilians and undermine stability, "must cease." He reiterated Türkiye’s call on Israel to fully comply with the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, refrain from further escalation and reverse its encroachments into Syrian territory, adding: "The international community and this council, in particular, must use all means at its disposal to bring an end to Israel’s aggression against Syria and its occupation of Syrian territory."

Ankara-Damascus security cooperation

Yildiz also addressed Türkiye’s military cooperation with Syria, stressing that Ankara’s activities in the country are conducted with the consent of the Syrian government. "Türkiye's military cooperation with Syria is conducted with the consent of the Syrian government," he said. "None of our activities in Syria are directed against or pose a threat to any third country," he added.

The envoy warned that attempts to obstruct efforts to build Syria’s security capacity could create conditions conducive to the resurgence of terrorist organizations such as ISIS (Daesh). Yildiz added that Türkiye’s relations with countries in the region are guided by a firm commitment to stability, security and prosperity, which he described as essential to Türkiye’s national, regional and international security.