UN Envoy Condemns Israeli Strikes in Syria
United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has strongly denounced ongoing Israeli military actions inside Syria, stating that such acts are “unacceptable and risk further destabilizing an already fragile situation.” He warned that these actions escalate regional tensions and undermine efforts toward de-escalation and a lasting political transition.
Israeli Raids and Escalating Tensions
The condemnation comes in response to a recent series of Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in southern Syria. The Israeli government asserts that these actions are necessary to protect national security and prevent weapons from reaching hostile armed groups.
The latest strike, which took place on Monday night, targeted a weapons storage facility near the coastal city of Latakia. Hours later, Israeli forces carried out additional operations in two towns in southern Syria, reportedly destroying warehouses before withdrawing.
This escalation follows remarks from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who last week called for the “complete demilitarization” of large areas in southern Syria. The call targeted the forces aligned with the new Syrian regime, which removed long-time leader Bashar al-Assad in December.
In response, Syria’s transitional leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the 1974 ceasefire agreement. Speaking at a meeting of Arab States in Cairo on Tuesday, which primarily focused on Gaza’s reconstruction, al-Sharaa accused Israel of violating Syrian sovereignty and infringing upon the rights of Syrians for decades.
Pedersen urged Israel to halt its operations, respect international obligations, and avoid unilateral actions that intensify hostilities. He emphasized the importance of all regional actors respecting Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity.
“Constructive dialogue and strict adherence to international agreements and international law are essential for security,” Pedersen stated.
Humanitarian Aid Efforts Continue
Even as tensions rise, humanitarian relief operations in Syria are ongoing. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) welcomed the extension of permissions allowing the UN to continue delivering aid through the Bab al-Salam and Al-Ra’ee crossings for another six months.
These crossings provide essential access to Aleppo, where around four million people rely on humanitarian aid. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric revealed on Tuesday that since the beginning of the year, over 520 trucks carrying food, medical supplies, and other essentials have entered Syria from Türkiye via these border points. This marks a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
“This afternoon, nearly two dozen trucks carrying **300 metric tons of WFP food**, enough to feed **174,000 people**, along with agricultural supplies from the **Food and Agriculture Organization**, crossed into Syria through Bab al-Hawa,” Dujarric announced.
As the humanitarian crisis in Syria persists, UN officials continue to push for diplomatic efforts and strict adherence to international laws, stressing the need for de-escalation in the region.
Leave a Reply