UN chief calls for ceasefire amid sharp escalation in northwest Syria

Renewed fighting last week led by the terrorist group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and other armed factions, has engulfed parts of Aleppo, Idlib and Hama, destabilising frontlines that had been in stalemate since 2020.

“The Secretary-General is alarmed by the recent escalation of violence across northwest Syria,” UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters at the regular press briefing in New York on Monday.

The violence has resulted in civilian casualties, the displacement of tens of thousands, and severe damage to essential infrastructure. A key water station serving western Aleppo is inoperable and damage has also been reported to health infrastructure, including key hospitals in Aleppo and Idlib, leaving hundreds of patients without care.

“All parties must protect civilians and civilian objects, including by allowing safe passage to civilians fleeing hostilities,” Dujarric said.

The Secretary-General has emphasised the need for a sustainable resolution, he added, urging all parties to engage with UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, to pursue a comprehensive political solution.

“He calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, reminds all parties of their obligations under international law, including humanitarian law, and calls for an immediate return to the UN-facilitated political process in line with Security Council resolution 2254,” Dujarric said.

“Syria’s people deserve a political horizon that will deliver a peaceful future – not more bloodshed,” he added. (UN News) 

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