Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa urged an Israeli withdrawal during a UN General Assembly speech, condemning Israeli attacks as Syria works to emerge from years of civil war.
Key facts
- Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the UN General Assembly.
- He called for an Israeli withdrawal.
- Al-Sharaa condemned Israeli attacks on Syria.
- He framed the attacks as a threat to Syria's post-war recovery.
- The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera on September 23, 2026.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa used his address to the United Nations General Assembly to call for an Israeli withdrawal, according to Al Jazeera.
In his speech, al-Sharaa condemned Israeli attacks on Syria, describing them as a danger to the country as it emerges from civil war.
The Syrian president framed the current period as a delicate one for national recovery, warning that continued attacks endanger that process, according to Al Jazeera’s reporting.
The appeal was made on the international stage of the General Assembly, where world leaders gather to set out their governments’ positions on major issues.
Al Jazeera reported the remarks on September 23, 2026, noting al-Sharaa’s dual message of condemnation and a demand for withdrawal.
The reporting focused on al-Sharaa’s characterization of Israeli actions as an obstacle to Syria’s stabilization following the end of its long civil war.
Why it matters
Syria's stability is closely tied to the broader security picture of the Middle East, and a call for an Israeli withdrawal at the UN signals how Damascus intends to position itself internationally after years of conflict. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions that could shape the region's post-war recovery.
Frequently asked questions
What did Syria's president say at the UN?
According to Al Jazeera, President Ahmed al-Sharaa called for an Israeli withdrawal and condemned Israeli attacks during his UN General Assembly speech.
Why did al-Sharaa condemn the attacks?
He described Israeli attacks as a threat to Syria's recovery as the country emerges from civil war, according to Al Jazeera.
When was the speech reported?
Al Jazeera reported the remarks on September 23, 2026.