At UNGA, Syria's al-Sharaa Reasserts Claim to Golan Heights
Syria's Ahmed al-Sharaa told the UN General Assembly that the Golan Heights will remain Syrian territory and rejected Israeli sovereignty over it.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa used his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday to restate Syria's claim to the Golan Heights and reject Israeli sovereignty over the strategic plateau.
Addressing world leaders, al-Sharaa said Damascus would resist any move that challenged its sovereignty over the territory. "Any attempts that violate our sovereignty, violate international law, will be stopped. Golan will remain Syrian territories," he said.
Exchange with Trump
Al-Sharaa recalled a conversation with US President Donald Trump in which he pushed back on the idea that Washington could hand over the territory. He said he made the remark after Trump told him the Golan Heights belonged to Israel.
"Why don't you give New Jersey to the Israelis? You don't own the Golan Heights to give, but you own New Jersey," al-Sharaa recounted, adding that the exchange did not change his position that the territory belongs to its people. "Trump doesn't own the Golan Heights," he said.
Colombia's recognition
The Syrian president's remarks followed Colombia's announcement in August that it recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Al-Sharaa reaffirmed Damascus' rejection of that position and of any recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the territory.
Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and formally annexed it in 1981. The United States recognised Israeli sovereignty over the area during Trump's first presidency, and Colombia became the second country to do so. The United Nations maintains that the Golan is Syrian territory under Israeli occupation and has rejected Israel's 1981 annexation.
Accusations against Israel
Al-Sharaa also accused Israel of carrying out repeated military operations inside Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, saying there had been 500 air strikes, more than 1,200 incursions and 300 detentions. He described the actions as "reminiscent of an era that we thought was long gone." The figures were presented in his UN address and were not independently verified in the material provided.
Open to peace
Despite his criticism of Israel, al-Sharaa said Syria remained open to a diplomatic settlement. "The opportunity for peace and security is available to those who wish to live in peace -- a just peace that maintains the rights of all," he said.