UN chief urges immediate removal of Syria sanctions, condemns Israeli incursions

UN Secretary-General António Guterres concluded a historic two-day visit to Syria on Sunday by calling for the immediate removal of all sanctions imposed during the era of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, as he also condemned ongoing Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty. Source: CNA, Euronews

Sanctions and reconstruction

Guterres welcomed steps taken by Western countries to ease restrictions, but stressed that "all these sanctions must be removed immediately" Source: AP. The World Bank estimates post-war reconstruction could cost US$216 billion Source: CNA. President Ahmed al-Sharaa argued that lifting sanctions alone is insufficient unless Syria is also removed from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism Source: Al Jazeera.

Israeli incursions and security landscape

During the visit, Israeli forces reportedly advanced into southwestern Syria, setting up checkpoints and dropping leaflets Source: Al Jazeera, Euronews. Guterres stated that "violations by Israel of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement are unacceptable & must stop" Source: Al Jazeera. In an exclusive interview, al-Sharaa revealed that Syria is seeking a security agreement with Israel that could pave the way for comprehensive peace without conceding the occupied Golan Heights Source: Al Jazeera. He added that Syria has "no interest" in confrontation with Israel.

Humanitarian and political challenges

• Since Assad's ousting, 1.7 million refugees have returned, but 5.5 million remain internally displaced and six million abroad Source: CNA.
• Al-Sharaa announced a special committee to investigate the fate of up to 300,000 missing persons from the war Source: Al Jazeera.
• The UN estimates 90% of Syrians live in poverty Source: AP.