DOHA, Aug. 11, 2026 — Qatar has sharply condemned the Colombian government's recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Tuesday, saying the Golan Heights remains occupied Arab territory under international law.
The ministry said any assistance to Israel in disregarding relevant United Nations resolutions does not change the territory's status. UN Security Council Resolution 497 of 1981 declared Israel's imposition of its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the Golan null and void with no legal effect.
Qatar reiterated its position that Israel must withdraw from all occupied Arab territories, including the Golan Heights.
The Colombian government's decision marks one of the first major foreign policy actions by its new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who took office Friday. The recognition was announced shortly after.
The Gulf Cooperation Council also strongly condemned Colombia's move. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said the recognition violates international law and existing treaties, and warned that such actions undermine regional peace and security.
Syria, Saudi Arabia and Egypt also condemned the recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the territory.
The Golan Heights, a strategic plateau, was captured by Israel from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel formally annexed the territory in 1981, a move rejected by the international community and directly challenged by Resolution 497.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry warned that unilateral decisions to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights would create a significant obstacle to achieving peace in the region.
Colombia's recognition stands in contrast to the position of most international bodies and nations, which maintain that the territory's status must be resolved through negotiations based on UN resolutions. Israel praised Colombia's decision.
