DAMASCUS: Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait have criticized Israeli construction and excavation activity in Syria’s southern Quneitra province, arguing that the operations violate Syrian sovereignty and existing international agreements.
The diplomatic reaction follows reports that Israeli forces have continued work on the project known as the “Sufa 53 Line,” an earthen barrier and military infrastructure project near the disengagement line in southern Syria.
According to reports from the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Israeli military bulldozers and heavy equipment were operating near Al-Asha village in southern Quneitra on Sunday. More than seven bulldozers and military vehicles were also reported southwest of Al-Rafid, where excavation of a trench near the disengagement line continued.
Qatar Calls for International Response
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli activity and called for stronger international efforts to protect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Doha said the construction represents a violation of international principles and urged the international community to ensure compliance with relevant United Nations resolutions.
Qatar also reiterated its support for Syria’s independence and territorial unity as concerns grow over military activity in the country’s south.
Jordan Points to 1974 Agreement
Jordan also criticized the development, with its Foreign Ministry saying the measures conflict with the principles of the UN Charter and obligations established under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
The agreement was established following the 1973 Arab-Israeli war and created a separation framework between Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan Heights area.
Amman called on international institutions to uphold their responsibilities and support Syria’s security, stability and sovereignty.
Kuwait Warns of Regional Security Risks
Kuwait joined the regional criticism, describing the continuing Israeli activity as an escalation that could have broader consequences for security and stability in the Middle East.
The Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry called for international action and emphasized the importance of implementing existing international agreements concerning Syrian territory.
The statements from the three Gulf and Arab governments add to growing diplomatic pressure over developments in southern Syria.
Syria Condemns Operations in Quneitra
The Syrian government has separately condemned the construction and excavation work, describing the completion and expansion of the Sufa 53 Line as a violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement and international law.
Damascus said continued military incursions and infrastructure activity threaten regional stability and undermine Syria’s territorial sovereignty.
Syria has called on the international community to take measures aimed at stopping further operations and preventing similar actions from recurring.
Activity Continues Near Disengagement Line
Reports from Quneitra indicate that earth-moving operations have continued around Al-Asha and Al-Rafid, with trenches and earthen barriers being developed near the disengagement area.
The latest activity has renewed attention on the situation along Syria’s southwestern frontier, where developments involving Israeli forces have remained a source of regional tension.
With Qatar, Jordan and Kuwait now publicly opposing the project, the issue is moving beyond a bilateral dispute and becoming a wider regional diplomatic concern.
Further developments could increase calls for international involvement, particularly regarding implementation of the 1974 agreement and the broader question of Syrian sovereignty in the south.
