“Syria’s problems must be solved by the Syrians themselves,” says UN Secretary-General António Guterres after Israeli airstrikes on Damascus

“Syria’s problems must be solved by the Syrians themselves,” says UN Secretary-General António Guterres after Israeli airstrikes on Damascus

[Washington, July 18, 2025] — Following Israeli airstrikes on the Syrian capital Damascus, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday emphasized the need to uphold Syria’s sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity.

In response to a question from a journalist at the UN headquarters — whether a federal system could be a viable solution to Syria’s crisis, or if such an approach would undermine the country’s territorial unity — Secretary-General Guterres said:

“Two things are absolutely essential.”

He elaborated:

“First, the unity and sovereignty of the Syrian state must be respected. At the same time, all ethnic, sectarian, and religious groups within Syria must be fully included and their rights and dignity protected.”

“Second, maintaining Syria’s territorial integrity is crucial — something that is also enshrined in international law.”

He stressed:

“The problems of Syria must be solved by the Syrians themselves.”

Guterres’ remarks come at a time when the multiparty conflict in Syria is becoming increasingly complex, and questions around foreign intervention are resurfacing. In particular, recent Israeli airstrikes and the ongoing military involvement of foreign powers have raised fresh concerns within the international community about Syria’s sovereignty.