Israel Syria Conflict: Al-Sharaa Warns UN of New Crises from Israeli Attacks

LONDON, September 25, 2025 – Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa warned the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday that Israel’s ongoing military operations could trigger “new crises and struggles” across the Middle East. The president highlighted his government’s reforms and called for international support to stabilize the region amid the escalating Israel Syria conflict.

First Syrian Leader at UN in Nearly 60 Years

Al-Sharaa became the first Syrian leader in almost six decades to address the UNGA. He rose to power late last year after leading opposition forces in a rapid offensive that removed former president Bashar Assad.

Speaking before world leaders, he outlined both the progress his government has made and the challenges Syria continues to face after more than a decade of civil war.

Escalating Israel–Syria Conflict

The Syrian president accused Israel of carrying out hundreds of airstrikes and military operations inside Syrian territory, including in the heart of Damascus.

“Israeli strikes and attacks against my country continue, and Israeli policies contradict the international supporting position for Syria,” Al-Sharaa said. He added that the ongoing Israel Syria conflict threatens to cause further instability in the region.

Despite the escalation, he stressed that Syria remains committed to dialogue and to the 1974 disengagement agreement, which created a UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Al-Sharaa criticized Israel for declaring the disengagement pact “over” after his forces took control of Damascus in December, saying this allowed Israeli troops to move into the buffer zone.

US-Led Push for De-escalation

The United States has been urging calm between the two nations. US Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, announced that talks are underway for a new de-escalation agreement.

The deal would have Israel halt its strikes in Syria if Damascus agrees not to move heavy weapons near the border. Al-Sharaa said he is hopeful about the agreement but warned, “It is Syria that is scared of Israel, not the other way around.”

Reforms and Sanctions

Al-Sharaa also called for the complete lifting of international sanctions, which he said are holding back Syria’s economic recovery.

He outlined reforms his government has introduced, including a roadmap to parliamentary elections next month, restructuring civil and military institutions, and establishing fact-finding commissions to investigate outbreaks of violence.

“I guarantee to bring to justice everyone accountable and responsible for bloodshed,” he said. “Syria has transformed from an exporter of crisis to an opportunity for peace for Syria and the region, despite the ongoing Israel Syria conflict.”

From Rebel to Statesman

Al-Sharaa’s rapid rise has drawn international attention. Once a rebel commander, he now meets world leaders as Syria’s president.

Since arriving in New York on Sunday, he has held meetings with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio, French President Emmanuel Macron, and other officials, signaling Syria’s renewed engagement on the global stage.