“The flames of conflict are raging in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza, and in Lebanon. And the heat is also being felt in Syria – the spiraling escalation has had a major impact on Syria and Syrian civilians,” Mr. Geir Pedersen said when briefing ambassadors on the issue. Security Council.
“I want to issue a clear warning: the regional spillover into Syria is alarming and could get much worse, with serious implications for Syria and national peace and security. international. Syria demands our collective attention.”
Displacement crisis and Israeli strikes
About 425,000 people, including 300,000 Syrians, have crossed Syria from Lebanon in recent weeks, fleeing airstrikes and increased violence. These movements are exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, with increasingly severe shortages of essential services such as fuel and water.
Additionally, Israel has carried out more than 116 airstrikes across Syria since October 7 last yeartargeting infrastructure and urban centers, including the capital Damascus, claiming it targeted weapons routes linked to Hezbollah and Iran.
“However, The Syrian government and many observers have also highlighted the heavy impact on civilians, with alarming reports of civilian deaths and casualties. from Israeli attacks, as well as damage to some civilian and economic infrastructure,” Mr. Pedersen said.
There was also bombardment disruption of important trade routes between the Lebanese capital Beirut and Damascus, cutting commercial traffic and causing gas prices in Syria to double.
Military tension
Mr. Pedersen further noted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has conducted construction operations in the vicinity of the separation zone in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, with an IDF battle tank and excavators cross the ceasefire line into the division area.
“Under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, no Israeli or Syrian military forces, equipment or activities are permitted in the divided area,” he said, adding that the attacks by drones and rocket fire were reported near the area. stress.
The regional escalation has also increased conflict in northwest Syria, where the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has launched cross-border attacks on government-held areas. Russian airstrikes also resumed and pro-Government forces “significantly accelerated” drone attacks and shelling, leading to civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. floor.
At the same time, in the northeast there were reports of continued attacks on US military bases, leading to reports of US artillery fire. “This is increasing tensions in an already tense area has seen increased hostility between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Government forces and armed opposition groups, as well as some reports of Turkish drone attacks,” Mr. Pedersen noted.
Urgent de-escalation is needed
Mr. Pedersen called for the protection of Syria’s sovereignty, emphasizing that Syria must not become a battlefield for foreign powers to settle scores.
He warned that further escalation could break fragile ceasefire agreements that have been in place for four years, making peace efforts even more difficult.
Reiterating the need for humanitarian aid, he called on international donors to increase support for Syria. He also emphasized the importance of resuming the stalled peace process in Syria under the Security Council framework. 2254 resolution.
Call for international support
With growing regional conflicts and worsening humanitarian crises, Syria is now facing new pressures, said Edem Wosornu, Executive Director at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. United Nations (OCHA) told the ambassadors.
She noted that Damascus has continued to open its borders and relax entry procedures, including temporarily abolishing currency requirements and accepting alternative forms of identification.
Reception centers have also been established across 10 provinces, providing temporary housing, education and health care services.
However, additional international assistance is vital as the growing need for assistance has put pressure on already strained humanitarian budgets.
Earlier this month, the United Nations joined humanitarian partners issue an interagency appeal for an additional $324 million to support up to 480,000 people over the next six months.
Solve long-term problems
Ms. Wosornu also warned against ignoring Syria’s long-term humanitarian needs amid the regional crisis.
Both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery efforts are critical to prevent the crisis from deepening, she said, noting that the United Nations plans to launch a Recovery Strategy. early recovery for the period 2024-2028, to improve health care and education services. , water management and sustainable livelihoods.
“Syrians have suffered for too long. Besides reducing tensions in the region, Efforts for peace and stability in Syria are now more urgent than evershe said.
