Syria’s foreign minister has called Donald Trump a “pirate” for recognising the occupied Golan Heights as Israeli territory, amid a widespread backlash over the move.

Mr Trump signed a proclamation on Monday officially granting US recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the contested land, during a White House visit by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel seized the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed it in 1981 in a move not recognised internationally.

“The US decision will affect nothing, except the isolation of the US,” said the country’s foreign minister, Walid Muallem, according to Syrian state news.

The news agency said thousands of Syrians have gathered in the streets of different cities on Tuesday to protest against the decision.

Trump backs Israel’s annexation of Golan Heights Show all 7 1 /7 Trump backs Israel’s annexation of Golan Heights Trump backs Israel’s annexation of Golan Heights An Israeli soldier stands next to signs pointing out distances to different cities on Mount Bental, an observation post in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights Reuters Trump backs Israel’s annexation of Golan Heights Druze people take part in a rally in Majdal Shams near the ceasefire line between Israel and Syria Reuters Trump backs Israel’s annexation of Golan Heights Israeli Druzes sit together watching the Syrian side of the Israel-Syria border on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights Reuters Trump backs Israel’s annexation of Golan Heights A European member of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) using binoculars to look towards the Syrian side of the Golan Heights AFP/Getty Trump backs Israel’s annexation of Golan Heights A file photo taken on October 19, 1973 shows Israeli Defence Minister General Moshe Dayan (R) looking towards the Syrian side of the Golan Heights, four days after the beginning of the Yom Kippur War AFP/Getty Trump backs Israel’s annexation of Golan Heights A file photo taken on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on September 5, 2014 shows members of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force Zone (UNDOF) using binoculars to look towards the Syrian side of the Golan Heights AFP/Getty Trump backs Israel’s annexation of Golan Heights Members of the United Nations peacekeepers standing on a watch tower during a visit by the Israeli Defence Minister in 2018 AFP/Getty

The move has drawn widespread criticism from across the Arab world, including from countries politically opposed to the Syrian government.

Saudi Arabia described the Golan Heights as “occupied Syrian Arab land in accordance with the relevant international resolutions” in a statement on Tuesday, adding that “attempts to impose fait accompli do not change the facts.”

“It will have significant negative effects on the peace process in the Middle East and the security and stability of the region,” the statement said of the decision.

Kuwait and Bahrain said they regretted the decision while Qatar called on Israel to end its occupation of the Golan Heights and comply with international resolutions.

The Lebanese foreign ministry also said in a statement that Mr Trump’s decision “undermines any effort to reach a just peace”. Iran said the decision was against international law.

Russia also joined the chorus of condemnation on Tuesday, saying the move would have “negative implications from the point of view of the Middle East settlement process”.

“Most importantly, this is probably yet another step by Washington made in clear violation of international law. We deeply regret that,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by the privately owned Interfax news agency.

In signing the proclamation, Mr Trump said: “This was a long time in the making.”

“Today, aggressive acts by Iran and terrorist groups, including Hezbollah, in southern Syria continue to make the Golan Heights a potential launching ground for attacks on Israel,” the president said in the document.

It noted the “unique circumstances” presented by the Golan, language that appeared to be aimed at countering criticism that the recognition would be used by other countries to justify control of disputed territory, such as Russia’s 2014 annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region.

Israeli soldiers stand guard at the Quneitra crossing in the Golan Heights (EPA)

Criticism has also come from US allies such as Canada and Turkey, who have expressed opposition to the move.

“In accordance with international law, Canada does not recognise permanent Israeli control over the Golan Heights. Canada’s long-standing position remains unchanged,” the Canadian foreign ministry said. “Annexation of territory by force is prohibited under international law.”

Turkey’s foreign minister said that the US had ignored international law and that the decision would further increase tensions in the region.

And, at the United Nations, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said UN chief Antonio Guterres adheres to security council resolutions that Israel’s annexation of the Golan Heights is “null and void and without international legal effect”.

Amnesty International called the decision “irresponsible, reckless and yet another example of the Trump administration violating international law and consensus by condoning Israel’s illegal annexation”.