UN Chief Guterres Condemns Violence in Syria and Urges Israel to Halt Attacks
New York, May 2, 2025 (UN News) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a strong condemnation of the escalating violence against civilians in Syria and urgently called on Israel to cease its attacks within the country. The statement, released earlier today, highlights the Secretary-General’s deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the continued disregard for international law.
Syria in Crisis:
The conflict in Syria, which began in 2011, has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis. Millions have been displaced, countless lives have been lost, and the country’s infrastructure has been decimated. While the intensity of the conflict has ebbed and flowed over the years, recent reports indicate a resurgence of violence, particularly targeting civilian populations.
The UN has repeatedly documented instances of attacks on hospitals, schools, and residential areas, often resulting in significant casualties. The factors contributing to the recent escalation are complex and include:
- Ongoing conflict: Despite various ceasefire agreements, fighting continues between Syrian government forces, rebel groups, and extremist organizations in various parts of the country.
- Economic hardship: The Syrian economy has been crippled by the war, leading to widespread poverty, food insecurity, and a lack of access to essential services. This desperation can fuel unrest and instability.
- Geopolitical tensions: Syria remains a battleground for regional and international powers, with various countries supporting different factions in the conflict. This external involvement prolongs the violence and makes finding a lasting solution more difficult.
Guterres’ condemnation specifically points to reports of indiscriminate attacks, suggesting that civilians are deliberately being targeted or that insufficient measures are being taken to protect them during military operations. He reiterated the UN’s unwavering commitment to international humanitarian law, which prohibits attacks against civilians and requires all parties to the conflict to take necessary precautions to minimize harm to non-combatants.
Israel’s Role and the Secretary-General’s Call:
In addition to the internal conflict, Syria has also been subject to frequent military strikes by Israel. Israel has stated that these strikes target Iranian-backed militant groups and weapons shipments that pose a threat to its security. While Israel rarely acknowledges specific attacks, it maintains its right to defend itself against threats emanating from Syrian territory.
Guterres’ statement explicitly urged Israel to halt these attacks, emphasizing that they further destabilize the region and exacerbate the suffering of the Syrian people. He argued that such military actions undermine efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict and risk a wider escalation of violence.
The UN has long maintained that all military actions within Syria must be conducted in accordance with international law, including respect for Syrian sovereignty and territorial integrity. Guterres’ call for Israel to cease its attacks reflects the UN’s concern that these strikes may be violating these principles.
Moving Forward:
Secretary-General Guterres concluded his statement by reiterating the UN’s commitment to working towards a lasting political solution to the Syrian conflict. He called on all parties to engage in good-faith negotiations and to prioritize the needs and rights of the Syrian people. He also urged the international community to increase its support for humanitarian efforts in Syria and to provide assistance to the millions of Syrians who have been displaced by the conflict.
The situation in Syria remains dire, and the Secretary-General’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a renewed commitment to peace and security in the region. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether the violence can be contained and whether progress can be made towards a lasting resolution. The UN is playing a central role in these efforts, but ultimately, the responsibility for ending the conflict rests with the parties involved and the international community as a whole.
Guterres condemns violence against civilians in Syria, urges Israel to stop attacks
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At 2025-05-02 12:00, ‘Guterres condemns violence against civilians in Syria, urges Israel to stop attacks’ was published according to Middle East. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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