Malaysia has joined 11 other nations in strongly denouncing Israeli airstrikes targeting the Abu al-Duhur military airbase in northwestern Syria. The foreign ministers of Malaysia, Türkiye, Algeria, Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia issued a joint statement on Friday, expressing deep concern over the continuous targeting and degradation of Syria's territory and infrastructure. The ministers described the attacks as "an extreme escalation" and "a flagrant violation" of Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.
They warned that such actions directly risk undermining Syria's efforts to restore security, rebuild national institutions, and address the humanitarian consequences of years of prolonged conflict. According to the joint statement, Israel's continued violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity risk further escalating tensions, undermining regional peace and stability, and eroding respect for international law and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The ministers called on the international community to adopt "a firm, clear and principled position" in the face of what they described as continued aggression against Syria.
They also urged the international community to take "concrete steps, in accordance with international law and the Charter of the UN, to bring an end to these violations". Specifically, the ministers called for "full respect for the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the areas they have occupied", saying such measures were necessary "to prevent further escalation and protect regional peace and stability". The 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement between Syria and Israel established a buffer zone and separation of forces following the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force deployed to monitor its implementation.
The ministers reiterated that respect for international law and the UN Charter remains essential to preventing further escalation and safeguarding regional peace and stability. The joint statement comes amid heightened regional tensions, with the 12 countries warning that continued military actions against Syrian territory could further threaten peace and stability in the region. The ministers underscored "the imperative of respect for Syria's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and political unity" and stressed their rejection of "any attempt to undermine them".
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is being called upon to play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the region. The joint statement serves as a strong condemnation of the Israeli airstrikes and a call to action for the international community to uphold the principles of international law and respect for sovereignty. In terms of numbers, the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement has been a key factor in maintaining regional peace and stability.
The agreement established a buffer zone and separation of forces, which has helped to reduce tensions between Syria and Israel. However, the recent Israeli airstrikes have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation and the need for renewed commitment to respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. The context of the joint statement is significant, as it reflects the growing concern among nations about the impact of military actions on regional peace and stability.
The statement highlights the importance of respecting international law and the principles of the UN Charter, particularly in situations where sovereignty and territorial integrity are at risk. As the situation moves forward, it is likely that the international community will continue to play a critical role in promoting peace and stability in the region. The joint statement serves as a call to action for nations to uphold the principles of international law and respect for sovereignty, and to work towards finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
