UN Chief Calls for Ceasefire Amid Sharp Escalation in Northwest Syria
December 2, 2024
New York, United States – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday called for an immediate ceasefire in northwest Syria after a sharp escalation in fighting that has killed dozens of civilians and displaced hundreds of thousands more.
In a statement, Guterres expressed his alarm at the escalating violence in the region and urged all parties to halt hostilities and allow unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance.
“The ongoing fighting in northwest Syria is causing unimaginable suffering for civilians,” Guterres said. “Indiscriminate attacks have reportedly killed and injured numerous civilians, including women and children. Thousands more have been forced to flee their homes, leaving behind their belongings and their loved ones.”
Fighting in northwest Syria has intensified in recent weeks, with both government forces and opposition groups clashing in Idlib province. The region is home to some 4 million people, many of whom are internally displaced persons.
The UN estimates that more than 100 civilians have been killed in the violence since November, while nearly 400,000 people have been displaced.
Guterres stressed that all parties to the conflict are obligated to protect civilians and to comply with international humanitarian law. He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for all sides to work towards a political solution to the conflict.
“The people of northwest Syria have endured years of suffering and hardship,” Guterres said. “They deserve to live in peace and dignity. I urge all parties to the conflict to lay down their arms and to come together to find a peaceful solution.”
The UN Security Council is scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss the situation in northwest Syria.
UN chief calls for ceasefire amid sharp escalation in northwest Syria
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