Seven million Syrians are internally displaced. Escalation of the crisis in Syria: UN Secretary General demands an immediate ceasefire Peace and security
The UN Secretary-General is concerned about the escalation of protracted violence in northwest Syria and calls on the parties to immediately cease hostilities and return to the UN-facilitated political process, in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).
Increasing violence and its impact on civilians
The offensive, launched by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, a group under UN Security Council sanctions, and supported by various armed opposition factions, has crossed frontlines that have remained unchanged since 2020. The fighting has reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, tens of thousands of displaced people and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure. Vital services and humanitarian aid have been threatened.
The Secretary-General stressed that all parties to the conflict have an obligation to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and ensure safe passage for people fleeing the violence. “Syrians have endured nearly 14 years of conflict. They deserve a political perspective that will bring a peaceful future, not more bloodshed,” he said, stressing the need for all parties to actively engage with his Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen.
Humanitarian operations suspended
The deteriorating security situation has seriously hampered aid efforts in Syria. In the affected areas of Aleppo, Idlib and Hama, humanitarian operations have largely been suspended. Aid workers are unable to access warehouses and other facilities, and millions of people have been left without urgently needed assistance.
Humanitarian organizations, however, are determined to continue their work. Operations are currently underway in other areas of northwest Syria where people have fled the outbreak of violence. Those affected are being provided with food, water, blankets, tents and hygiene kits.
Three border crossings from Turkey remain open, allowing aid to be delivered. However, critical services including education, health care and water supplies have been disrupted in the affected areas. In western Aleppo, a key water pumping station is out of service and cannot be repaired due to security concerns. At least 13 schools in northwest Syria have also been reported damaged by the fighting. The sanitary situation is deteriorating, with reports of unburied bodies and a lack of drinking water.
Medical Infrastructure Under Attack
Syria’s healthcare system has been severely damaged by the escalating tensions, with the Aleppo University Hospital damaged and hundreds of patients left without treatment. At least 24 health centers, including the region’s main hospital, have been suspended due to ongoing fighting in Idlib and western Aleppo.
All this is happening against the backdrop of an existing humanitarian crisis, one of the largest in the world: 16.7 million Syrians need assistance, seven million of whom are internally displaced. In addition, half a million people have fled from Lebanon to Syria in recent weeks. With winter approaching, the needs of displaced people and vulnerable communities are becoming even more acute.
The UN reminds that amid the threat of a humanitarian catastrophe, the international community must act decisively, supporting efforts to find a long-term solution and provide assistance to those in need.