Baghdad: Turkey has made a forceful appeal to the international community, urging the use of all available means to halt Israeli attacks on Syria and end the occupation of Syrian territory. This call was made during a United Nations Security Council session focused on the ongoing developments in the Middle East.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Turkey’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ahmet Yildiz, delivered a speech highlighting Israel’s attempts to thwart Syria’s efforts toward security and stability. Yildiz accused Israel of undermining Syria’s positive trajectory through what he described as reckless attacks and destabilizing activities.

Yildiz specifically pointed to the recent Israeli airstrikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib, northwestern Syria, which occurred on August 18. He emphasized that these actions violate Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, targeting the country’s infrastructure and capabilities.

The Turkish representative affirmed that Syria is making steady progress toward stability, with recent legal measures marking an important step in this direction. He reiterated the need to stop “Israeli aggression” which affects civilians and destabilizes the region, urging Israel to fully comply with the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

The airstrikes involved Israeli aircraft launching eight attacks on the runway of the Abu al-Duhur military airport in Idlib province, resulting in damage to its infrastructure.

In a contrasting note, Yildiz welcomed the US administration’s decision to remove Syria from the list of “state sponsors of terrorism.” He praised the United States for its constructive approach and congratulated the Syrian government and people.

Yildiz indicated that this decision would bolster Syria’s efforts in economic recovery and reconstruction, enhancing its standing in the international community. The US Treasury Department announced last Monday that Syria’s designation as a “state sponsor of terrorism” had been canceled, following pledges made by former President Trump to issue sanctions waivers.