Syria on Monday condemned Colombia’s announcement that its foreign ministry had recognised Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan, saying the move is not in line with international law or relevant United Nations resolutions.
In a statement, the Syrian Foreign Ministry said the Golan is an integral part of Syrian territory and described the Colombian statement as a clear violation of the UN Charter, while also rejecting ongoing Israeli attacks and incursions into Syrian land.
Damascus rejects the Colombian move
The ministry said any recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan does not change its legal status, stressing that the occupied plateau will remain Syrian territory under international law and UN resolutions.
Damascus also said Colombia’s position runs counter to international support for Syria’s rights in the occupied Golan, noting that the number of countries backing the UN General Assembly resolution titled “The Syrian Golan” rose from 97 in 2024 to 123 in 2025.
Call to respect international law
The Syrian ministry urged the international community and international organisations to fulfil their responsibilities in upholding international law and UN resolutions, saying it would continue to use legitimate diplomatic and legal means to defend Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and rights over the occupied land.
Arab League rejects the recognition
The Arab League also rejected Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan, saying the announcement has no legal effect and carries no value in determining the status or sovereignty of the territory.
Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy said the Golan remains occupied Syrian land under international law and UN legitimacy, stressing that sovereignty over territory is not acquired through occupation or a political statement by one state or another.
UN Security Council Resolution 497
The Arab statement referred to UN Security Council Resolution 497 of 1981, which deemed Israel’s imposition of its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Golan null and void and without international legal effect.
It called on Colombia to withdraw its announcement and correct its position in line with international law, UN resolutions and the established international framework regarding the occupied Syrian Golan.
GCC also condemns the move
In Riyadh, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi said Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights violates all international laws and treaties.
He strongly condemned the move, saying any decisions or recognitions that ignore the reality established by UN and international resolutions are unacceptable and harm efforts toward peace and security in the region.
GCC support for Syria
Al-Budaiwi said the Golan is occupied Syrian Arab land and called on Colombia to withdraw its recognition, urging Israel to comply with international legitimacy and withdraw from all occupied Arab territories, including the Golan Heights.
He also reaffirmed the GCC’s long-standing position in support of Syria and its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
Conclusion:
The Syrian, Arab League and GCC reactions to Colombia’s move reflect broad rejection of any attempt to alter the legal status of the occupied Golan through unilateral political recognition. Under international law and UN resolutions, the Golan remains occupied Syrian territory regardless of any external recognition.
