United Nations Security Council nations sharply criticised the United States for its decision to recognise Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights in violation of international law.
According to Al-Jazeera, meeting on Wednesday at the request of Syria, the Security Council in a letter called the US’ move a “flagrant violation” of UN resolutions.
President Trump signed a proclamation at the White House on Monday officially recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
Speakers at the council session supported Syria’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights and opposed Israel’s annexation after Trump’s proclamation.
South Africa’s UN Ambassador Jerry Matjila said, “This unilateral action does nothing to assist in finding a long-term peaceful solution to the conflict in the Middle East”.
Russia, which is Syria’s closest ally, urged governments to continue to view the Golan Heights as Israeli-occupied territory.
The report further added that three Security Council resolutions call on Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed – a move not recognised internationally.