UN Chief Guterres Condemns Violence in Syria, Calls on 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 urged Israel to cease its attacks within the country. The statement, released today, highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the unacceptable suffering of the Syrian people.
Guterres expressed deep concern over the reported increase in airstrikes and ground operations targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential areas. He emphasized that these attacks are a clear violation of international humanitarian law and constitute war crimes.
“I am appalled by the relentless attacks on innocent civilians in Syria,” Guterres stated. “These atrocities must stop. The targeting of civilian infrastructure is unacceptable and a grave breach of international law.”
The UN Secretary-General also pointed to the devastating impact of the violence on the already precarious humanitarian situation in Syria. Millions of people remain displaced, and access to essential services like healthcare and food is severely limited. He called for immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas of the country to ensure that aid reaches those in need.
Focus on Israeli Attacks
In a significant portion of his statement, Guterres specifically addressed the ongoing Israeli attacks within Syria. While acknowledging Israel’s security concerns, he stressed that these concerns do not justify violations of Syrian sovereignty or attacks that endanger civilians.
“I reiterate my call on Israel to cease its attacks in Syria,” Guterres stated. “While I understand the security considerations, the attacks must be conducted in accordance with international law and with the utmost care to avoid civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. The current approach is simply not sustainable and risks further destabilizing the region.”
Context and Background
Syria has been embroiled in a devastating civil war for over a decade, resulting in a massive humanitarian crisis and the displacement of millions of people. Multiple actors, including government forces, rebel groups, and foreign powers, are involved in the conflict, making it a complex and volatile situation.
Israel has repeatedly conducted airstrikes inside Syria, targeting what it claims are Iranian-linked military targets and weapons convoys destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel views Iran’s growing influence in Syria as a major security threat.
However, these Israeli attacks have often resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure, drawing criticism from the international community. Critics argue that the attacks violate international law and further destabilize the already fragile situation in Syria.
International Response and Next Steps
Guterres’ statement reflects the growing international concern over the escalating violence in Syria and the need for a renewed commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He urged all parties to engage in good-faith negotiations to achieve a lasting ceasefire and a political settlement that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
The UN Security Council is expected to discuss the situation in Syria in the coming days, with potential resolutions and sanctions being considered. The international community is under increasing pressure to take concrete action to protect civilians and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Key Takeaways:
- UN Secretary-General Guterres strongly condemns the escalating violence against civilians in Syria.
- He specifically calls on Israel to cease its attacks in Syria, emphasizing the need to avoid civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
- The statement highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Syria and the need for unimpeded humanitarian access.
- The international community is urged to take concrete action to protect civilians and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
This statement serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing suffering in Syria and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community faces a critical test in its ability to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities in the war-torn country.
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 Peace and Security. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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