Turkey: Turkey’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ahmet Yildiz, has asserted that Israel’s ongoing aggression against Syria is thwarting the country’s reconstruction efforts. In a recent UN Security Council emergency session titled “The Situation in the Middle East,” Yildiz emphasized that Syria, despite facing numerous challenges, has made significant progress towards a comprehensive political transition and national reconciliation.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Yildiz highlighted Turkey’s longstanding support for Syria’s peace, recovery, and reconstruction initiatives. He accused Israel of persistently attacking Syria since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime on December 8, with the intent to obstruct stability in the region.

Yildiz criticized Israel’s military interventions and provocative statements, arguing that they compromise Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and directly undermine its reconstruction efforts. He emphasized that such aggression destabilizes the region, leading to increased civilian casualties and displacement.

The Turkish envoy urged the Security Council to take immediate action to de-escalate tensions and halt Israeli aggression. He expressed solidarity with the Syrian government’s efforts to maintain calm in As-Suwayda Governorate and stressed the importance of holding those responsible for violence accountable.

Yildiz reiterated Turkey’s belief in the resilience of the Syrian people and government, affirming Turkey’s commitment to supporting Syria in achieving peace, stability, and prosperity.

The backdrop to these remarks includes recent clashes in As-Suwayda between Bedouin and Druze groups, prompting Syrian army intervention to restore order. In response, Israel launched intensive airstrikes on several Syrian provinces, using the pretext of “protecting the Druze” to justify its actions. However, Druze leaders have largely condemned foreign interference and remain committed to a unified Syria.