Turkey, Germany condemn 'Israel's' plans for expansion in Syrian Golan
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Turkey and Germany have strongly condemned "Israel's" decision to expand settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, calling it a violation of international law and urging "Israel" to abandon its plans.
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Israeli occupation soldiers cross the security fence moving towards the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Syrian Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams on December 15, 2024. (AP)
Turkey condemned the Israeli occupation's decision to expand its illegal settlements in the Syrian Golan Heights.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement, expressing that "Israel's" actions are severely undermining efforts to achieve peace and stability in Syria and are escalating tensions in the region.
Describing the decision as "a new stage" in Israeli occupation expansion through occupation, the ministry emphasized: "This step by Israel is a source of grave concern, taken together with Israel’s entry into the area of separation in violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, its advance into adjacent areas, and airstrikes in Syria."
The ministry further called on the international community to take "appropriate measures” to end the “illegal steps of the Netanyahu government."
Germany urges Israeli ally to backtrack on Syrian Golan Heights
Germany has urged "Israel" to "abandon" its plan to double the population in the occupied and annexed Syrian Golan Heights, located at the southwestern edge of Syria.
German Foreign Ministry spokesperson Christian Wagner stated on Monday: "It is perfectly clear under international law that this area controlled by Israel belongs to Syria and that Israel is therefore an occupying power," adding that "Israel" must "abandon this plan."
Wagner noted that in light of the political upheaval in Syria, it is "absolutely crucial now that all actors in the region take into account the territorial integrity of Syria and do not call it into question."
Speaking at a press conference, he acknowledged that the situation is "complex" and that "Israel" has an interest in ensuring that Assad's weapons "do not fall into the wrong hands."
However, he reiterated that Germany is "now calling on all actors in the region to exercise restraint," as "Syria has been a plaything of foreign powers for far too long."
Earlier: Israeli gov. approves plan to expand settlements in occupied Golan
