UN demands Israel halt illegal Golan Heights settlement expansion
10:03, 29/04/2026, Wednesday
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The United Nations has issued a firm demand for Israel to abandon its planned expansion of illegal settlements within the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized that such construction activities must immediately cease, citing Jerusalem's recent approval of a five-year infrastructure investment totaling $334 million. The controversial scheme aims to significantly boost Israeli population growth in the strategic territory captured during the 1967 conflict.
UN spokesperson
Stephane Dujarric
delivered a clear message to Israeli authorities regarding construction activities in the disputed territory. Speaking to international media representatives, Dujarric stated that reported schemes to broaden settlement footprints throughout the occupied Syrian Golan must come to an immediate halt. The statement reflects growing international concern over Jerusalem's continued establishment of residential communities in territory recognized under international statutes as belonging to Syria.Multi-million dollar infrastructure scheme
Israeli media outlets revealed that the Cabinet approved on April 16 a comprehensive development program spanning 2026 through 2030, allocating approximately
one billion shekels
equivalent to $334 million. Cabinet Minister Ze'ev Elkin
disclosed that authorities intend to elevate Katzrin from settlement status to become what officials describe as the Golan's first true city. The initiative prioritizes transportation networks, public services, and incentives designed to attract thousands of additional residents to the mountainous region overlooking the Sea of Galilee.Damascus seeks diplomatic resolution
Syrian President
Ahmad al-Sharaa
outlined his administration's approach to territorial negotiations during remarks delivered at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum
hosted in Türkiye. The Syrian leader proposed initiating talks focused on restoring the 1974 disengagement lines that had maintained stability for five decades until recent violations. Al-Sharaa indicated that securing a new security framework guaranteeing Israeli withdrawal to those boundaries would constitute the initial phase, potentially opening pathways for comprehensive discussions regarding the ultimate status of the occupied plateau.Advertisement
Historical occupation and legal framework
The Golan Heights remains classified under international law as Syrian territory under Israeli occupation since the
1967 Six-Day War
. United Nations resolutions consistently designate settlement construction within this region as violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Al-Sharaa noted that adherence to the 1974 separation agreement collapsed following the dissolution of the former Syrian administration in December 2024, necessitating fresh accords that respect Syrian sovereignty while addressing legitimate security concerns of all parties involved.
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