Cairo, December 17, 2024 – Mohamed Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament, has strongly condemned Israel’s recent decision to expand settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan, calling the move a direct violation of international law and a serious infringement on Syria’s sovereignty. The Israeli settlement expansion in this disputed region, which has been under Israeli control since the 1967 Six-Day War, is seen by many as a further attempt to solidify Israel’s illegal occupation of the Golan Heights.
In a statement issued on Monday, Al Yamahi stressed that Israel’s actions violate key international laws and United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly those that call for Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Arab territories, including the Golan. He emphasized that this move not only disregards Syria's sovereignty but also poses a significant threat to Syria’s territorial integrity and unity, further escalating tensions in the region.
The Arab Parliament speaker called on the international community, with particular urgency directed at the United Nations Security Council, to hold Israel accountable for its continued violations. Al Yamahi urged the Security Council to take swift and decisive action to halt Israel’s settlement expansion and prevent further destabilization of the region. He reiterated that the international community must act in accordance with international resolutions, ensuring that Israel complies with the principles of international law and the legitimacy of the Arab territories, including the Syrian Golan.
This statement from the Arab Parliament underscores the growing concern among Arab states regarding Israel’s settlement policies, which are seen as undermining the prospects for peace and stability in the region. Al Yamahi's condemnation calls for stronger international pressure on Israel, urging accountability for its actions and reaffirming the Arab world’s commitment to defending the sovereignty of Arab nations under occupation.