UN Security Council Holds Emergency Meeting Today After Israeli Strikes on Syria
July 17, 202546 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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In an unprecedented escalation, Israeli airstrikes rocked the Syrian capital Damascus yesterday, targeting sensitive sites including the Chief of Staff headquarters, in addition to strikes on the provinces of Daraa and Al-Suwayda.
The airstrikes resulted in widespread destruction, casualties, and injuries. Images from the scene showed the extent of the damage to the Syrian Ministry of Defense building, as the strikes also hit government institutions and civilian facilities.
In response to this escalation, the current President of the UN Security Council, Pakistan, announced an emergency meeting on Thursday at 3 p.m. New York time to discuss the repercussions of the Israeli bombing on Syrian territory.
Pakistan's Permanent Representative, Amb. Munir Akram, confirmed that the meeting was convened at Syria's official request.
In an urgent message to the Security Council President, Syria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Bashar Ja'afari, called for "unconditional condemnation" of the Israeli airstrikes and immediate steps to "compel Israeli forces to leave Syrian territory".
Ja'afari emphasized that the recent events represent a continuation of Israel's aggressive policies in recent months, citing repeated violations of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, incursions into the demilitarized zone, and the establishment of illegal Israeli military bases inside Syria.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement condemning the airstrikes in the strongest terms, describing them as a "blatant violation of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law". The statement added that the bombing is part of a "deliberate policy pursued by Israel to stoke tension, create chaos, and undermine security and stability in Syria", holding Tel Aviv "fully responsible for this dangerous escalation and its repercussions".
Syria concluded its statement by affirming its full legitimate rights to defend its territories and people through all means guaranteed by international law.
