• Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey condemn Colombian rightist president for recognizing Golan Heights.

Oman condemns Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over occupied Golan Heights

Oman has criticised the Colombian government’s decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, saying the move “violates international law”.

In a statement posted on X, Oman’s Foreign Ministry said the decision contradicts international resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution 497 of 1981. Oman reiterated its “firm position that the Golan is occupied Syrian territory”, while affirming its support for Syrian sovereignty “over all its territories and its unity”.

The decision comes just days after far-right President Abelardo de la Espriella took office in Bogota after campaigning on a promise to forge closer relations with the United States and Israel.

Israel occupied most of the Golan Heights during the 1967 war and effectively annexed the Syrian territory in 1981, a move rejected as unlawful by the UN Security Council and not recognized internationally.

The US recognized Israeli sovereignty over the territory in 2019 during President Donald Trump’s first term in office.

Kuwait denounces Colombia’s recognition of Israeli claims on Golan Heights

Kuwait has condemned Colombia’s recent move, calling it a violation of international law and relevant international resolutions.

According to a statement by the country’s foreign ministry, the move particularly violates UN Security Council Resolution 497 of 1981, which declared “the Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights is null and void and without international legal effect”.

The ministry reiterated Kuwait’s firm position that the Golan is occupied Syrian territory and rejected any decisions aimed at entrenching the occupation or granting it legitimacy.

It also stressed the principle that territory may not be acquired by force, in accordance with the UN Charter and the principles of international law.

Top Turkish diplomat to visit Egypt tomorrow

The situation in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, Gaza, Syria, Libya and the eastern Mediterranean will be on the agenda during Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s two-day visit to Egypt starting on Thursday, according to Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency.

Fidan is expected to exchange views on the implementation of the second phase of the 15-point Gaza deal and address the risks to regional stability posed by Israel’s attacks across Palestine, as well as its aggressive actions against Lebanon and Syria, it said.

He is expected to express support for diplomatic efforts aimed at re-establishing a ceasefire between the US and Iran and reopening the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible, the agency added.

Israeli defence minister pledges indefinite military presence in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz says the country “under no circumstances” will withdraw from land it occupies in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.

Israel’s i24 news reports that during a visit today to army positions on the front line in southern Lebanon, Katz declared that forces will remain indefinitely in what Israel calls “security zones” in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.

Israel occupies territory in southern Lebanon, more than half of the Gaza Strip and several strategic positions in Syria, including part of Jabal al-Sheikh, the country’s highest mountain.