Syria's al-Sharaa tells UN Israel attacks undermine post-war recovery

September 23, 2026 at 09:44 PM2 min

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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa told the UN General Assembly that Israeli attacks are undermining Syria's recovery, citing 500 air strikes and 1,200 incursions. He called for Israel to withdraw from Syrian territory and respect the 1974 separation agreement. The speech came as Syria seeks international investment while Israel deepens ties with Druze factions.

Key Facts

Al-Sharaa said Israel has carried out 500 air strikes, more than 1,200 incursions and 300 detentions in Syria.
About 3.5 million refugees and displaced people have returned to Syria, al-Sharaa told the UN.
Al-Sharaa urged the international community to commit to the 1974 agreement that created a UN-supervised separation zone between Israeli and Syrian forces.
This was al-Sharaa's second address to the UN General Assembly following his speech last year.

UN Address

President Ahmed al-Sharaa condemned Israeli actions in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly. He said Israel's attacks undermined Syria's security and progress after a devastating civil war. Al-Sharaa asserted that there have been 500 air strikes, more than 1,200 incursions and 300 detentions in Syria by Israel. He described the situation as reminiscent of an era that was thought long gone.

Recovery Claims

Al-Sharaa told the UN that Syria had emerged from crisis to an opportunity. He cited state control over arms, the lifting of international sanctions and the rebuilding of military and civilian institutions. The Syrian president said about 3.5 million refugees and displaced people had returned safely. The conflict had spurred a refugee crisis that strained neighbouring countries and stoked hostility towards migrants in some Western countries.

Territorial Demands

Al-Sharaa urged the international community to commit to the 1974 agreement that created a UN-supervised separation zone between Israeli and Syrian forces. He demanded that Israel withdraw from the occupied Golan Heights. In July, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated that the area was Syrian territory and described Israel's occupation as totally unacceptable.