UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over recent extensive violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging all parties to de-escalate violence throughout the country. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, conveyed the message during a press briefing on Thursday.
“The Secretary-General is particularly concerned over the hundreds of Israeli air strikes on several locations in Syria, and stresses the urgent need to de-escalate violence on all fronts, throughout the country,” Dujarric stated.
Emphasizing the importance of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, Guterres condemned actions inconsistent with the agreement and called on all parties to uphold their obligations. This includes ending unauthorized presence in areas of separation and refraining from actions that could undermine the ceasefire and stability in the Golan Heights.
The Israel Defense Forces announced on Thursday that they have “severely damaged” Syria’s air defenses, claiming the destruction of over 90 percent of identified strategic surface-to-air missile systems. Over the past several days, hundreds of Israeli fighter jets and aircraft have launched coordinated strikes, targeting Syria’s strategic weapons, including fighter jets, helicopters, missiles, UAVs, radars, and rockets. Key Syrian air bases were also struck.
Since hostilities escalated two weeks ago, more than 1.1 million people have been displaced across Syria amidst reports of food and fuel shortages, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Despite the challenging security situation, the UN and its partners continue humanitarian efforts where possible, operating in cities such as Damascus, Tartous, Latakia, and Raqqa.
“Despite the challenges, and as security allowed, the UN and partners have provided food to more than 700,000 people in northwest Syria since the escalation of hostilities,” the OCHA reported.
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UN chief urges de-escalation, new Syrian govt pledges 'rule of law'
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