Türkiye has delivered a strong and urgent message at the United Nations, calling for an immediate end to Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights. The country’s representative said the occupation is “illegal and void” under international law and repeated that many global decisions over the past five decades have clearly stated this. Türkiye stressed that this issue is not only about territory but about long-standing rules that all countries must respect to keep peace and stability in the region.
The call came during a meeting at the UN General Assembly, where delegates gathered to discuss global concerns. Türkiye used the moment to underline that the Golan Heights cannot be kept under occupation and that the world has consistently reminded Israel of this through numerous UN resolutions.
Global Rules and Türkiye’s Firm Stand on the Golan Heights
For more than fifty years, the international community has stated that Israel’s hold over the Golan Heights is not legal. UN decisions have repeatedly described the occupation as “null and void,” meaning it has no lawful standing. Türkiye reminded members that these decisions also confirm several important points.
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First, taking land through force is not allowed. Any attempt to annex territory, change borders, or alter the character of an occupied region goes against international law. This applies directly to the Golan Heights, which remains internationally recognized as Syrian territory.
Second, rules that protect people during conflicts—known as international humanitarian law—apply fully in this situation. These rules demand that all parties protect civilians and respect the rights of those living under occupation.
Türkiye also highlighted that older agreements call for Israel to withdraw to the borders of June 4, 1967. This includes the area covering the Golan Heights, which has been at the center of long-standing disputes. In addition, Türkiye said peace talks must restart so that both sides can address their issues directly and calmly.
The message made it clear that Türkiye’s position has not changed over the decades. The country continues to support global rules and insists that respecting them is the only way nations can live safely and trust one another. Türkiye also stressed that these rules are not suggestions but obligations that every country must uphold.
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Along with criticizing the occupation of the Golan Heights, Türkiye strongly condemned recent airstrikes near Damascus that reportedly killed 13 people in the Beit Jinn area. The country said these attacks violate Syria’s sovereignty, which refers to a nation’s right to control what happens inside its own borders without interference from others.
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According to Türkiye, these strikes put innocent people at risk and make the region more unstable. The country argued that the attacks were based on what it called an unjust and unreliable security claim. Türkiye added that Syria is currently in a historic phase of rebuilding after years of conflict, and any military action in such a moment harms recovery efforts.
The statement explained that continued strikes create fear, disrupt communities, and make it harder for Syrians to rebuild their lives. Türkiye insisted that these actions must stop immediately so that people living in the region can experience calm and safety.
A Call to Respect Borders and Stabilize the Golan Heights Region
Türkiye also questioned Israel’s approach to security, saying that true safety cannot come from occupying another country’s land. Keeping control over the Golan Heights, Türkiye said, does not create peace. Instead, it deepens mistrust, increases tensions, and blocks the path to long-term stability.
The country warned against all attempts to change the Golan’s legal or demographic structure. Altering who lives in the area or treating the Golan Heights as if it legally belongs to another country is considered unacceptable under international rules. Türkiye reminded UN members that actions like changing local administration, population patterns, or legal status have “no legal effect.”
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Türkiye urged Israel to follow international law, respect the borders that the world has already recognized, and engage in peaceful dialogue with Syria. The country emphasized that respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity—two core principles of the UN Charter—is essential for calm and order in the region.
Türkiye ended its message by reaffirming its support for global efforts that protect international standards. The country said it will continue standing with the international community to ensure that long-established rules guiding the Golan Heights conflict remain respected.