The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed, this Thursday (12), its concern about Israel’s advance into a demilitarized zone in Syria, after the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad.
The Brazilian government classified the Israeli military presence in the region as a violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, which established a separation zone between the territories occupied by Israel and the Syrians, where UN peacekeeping forces are stationed.
In an official statement, Itamaraty called on Israel to respect international law, including international humanitarian law, and Syria’s sovereignty.
Brazil’s criticism is in line with the position of the UN, which also expressed concern about the situation. On Monday (9), Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, stated that the Israeli advance violates the agreement established in 1974.
Israel, in turn, defended its military presence in the region as “temporary”, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stating that the measure was adopted for security reasons.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, guaranteed that the country’s actions do not interfere in Syria’s “domestic affairs”, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to the Disengagement Agreement.
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The Golan Heights, occupied by Israel since the Six-Day War in 1967, has a strategic role in the region, allowing views of parts of Syria and Israel. The area is vital not only for its geographical position, but also for being an important source of water that supplies the Jordan River.
