UAE Condemns 'Dangerous Israeli Escalation' in Syria, Calls for International Action

UAE Issues Strong Condemnation

The United Arab Emirates has issued a strong condemnation of what it described as 'dangerous Israeli escalation' and attacks within Syrian territory. On November 29, 2025, the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) released a statement reaffirming its 'categorical rejection of any infringement on Syria's sovereignty and threats to its security and stability'. The condemnation specifically highlighted attacks targeting villages in the Rif Dimashq Governorate.

The MoFA called upon the international community to 'take immediate action to halt the repeated attacks on Syrian territory and to prevent any escalation that could heighten regional tensions and threaten regional and international peace and security'. The statement also stressed that these actions constitute a violation of international law, particularly referencing the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Syria and Israel.

Details of Recent Israeli Operations

The UAE's condemnation follows a series of recent Israeli military operations in Syria. On November 28, 2025, Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire targeted the village of Beit Jinn in the southwestern countryside of Damascus. These attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, including civilians and two children, and wounded more than two dozen others. Reports also indicated that six Israeli soldiers were wounded during an exchange of fire in the area. The strikes led to the 'unprecedented displacement' of dozens of families from Beit Jinn.

Since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, Israel has significantly increased its military activities in Syria. Official Syrian data suggests that Israel has carried out over 1,000 airstrikes and more than 400 ground incursions into southern Syrian provinces during this period. Israel has stated that these operations are aimed at targeting Islamist groups, such as Jaama Islamiya, which it accuses of plotting attacks against Israeli civilians.

Broader Regional Context

The UAE's strong stance on Syrian sovereignty comes amidst its ongoing efforts to mend and strengthen ties with Syria. The UAE reopened its embassy in Damascus in 2018, and high-level diplomatic engagements have continued, including a visit by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the UAE in July 2025. The UAE has consistently emphasized its commitment to supporting Syria's stability, unity, and reconstruction efforts.

This condemnation also occurs despite the normalization of relations between the UAE and Israel through the Abraham Accords in August 2020. While the accords established diplomatic ties, the UAE has previously voiced concerns and criticisms regarding Israeli actions that it perceives as destabilizing the region or infringing upon the sovereignty of other nations.