UN Chief Calls for Ceasefire Amid Sharp Escalation in Northwest Syria
UN Headquarters, New York, December 2, 2024 – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in northwest Syria after a sharp escalation in violence.
In a statement released on Friday, Guterres condemned the airstrikes and shelling that have displaced thousands of civilians and resulted in numerous casualties. He called for all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international law, including the protection of civilians.
The escalation in violence comes amid a renewed offensive by Syrian government forces and their allies against rebel-held areas in Idlib province. Over the past week, airstrikes and shelling have targeted residential areas, hospitals, and schools.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), more than 100,000 people have been displaced by the fighting. Many are fleeing towards the Turkish border, where they are facing limited shelter and assistance.
Guterres expressed concern that the continued violence could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. He urged all parties to the conflict to immediately respect a ceasefire and engage in constructive dialogue.
The European Union and the United States have also called for an immediate end to the fighting. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the “disproportionate and indiscriminate” attacks and said the EU was considering further sanctions against the Syrian regime.
US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the United States was “deeply concerned” by the escalation in violence and called on Russia, a key ally of the Syrian government, to use its influence to stop the attacks.
The United Nations Security Council is set to meet on Monday to discuss the situation in northwest Syria. It is expected to issue a statement calling for a ceasefire and expressing support for the UN’s efforts to resolve the conflict.
UN chief calls for ceasefire amid sharp escalation in northwest Syria
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