Damascus Reaffirms Its Rejection of Israel’s Decision to Annex the Golan and Confirms Its International Nullity

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates confirmed on Monday that the United Nations Security Council considered the letter from Syria’s Permanent Representative dated December 14, 1981, published in document (S/14791), concerning Israel’s decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction, and administration over the Syrian Golan Heights.

In its statement, the ministry reiterated that “the acquisition of territory by force is unacceptable under the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law, and relevant Security Council resolutions,” considering Israel’s decision in this regard to be “null and void and without any legal effect internationally.”

The letter pointed out that Israel, as an occupying power, is required to immediately revoke its decision, noting that all provisions of the 1949 Geneva Convention relating to the protection of civilians during war remain fully applicable to the Syrian territories occupied since June 1967.

The letter requested that the UN Secretary-General submit a report to the Security Council on the implementation of the resolution within two weeks, with an extraordinary session to be held no later than January 5, 1982, to consider appropriate measures in the event of Israel’s non-compliance.

This comes after US President Donald Trump renewed his recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. Trump had signed a declaration on March 25, 2019, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the plateau, which Netanyahu at the time called a “historic recognition,” affirming that the Golan “will remain under Israeli control forever.”