Escalating Conflict in Syria: UN Warns of Alarming Regional Spillover and Urgent Humanitarian Needs

Source: News & Image © UNICEF/Rami Nader / UN News

“The fires of conflict are raging in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Gaza, and in Lebanon, with the repercussions also being felt in Syria. The escalating situation is already significantly impacting Syrian civilians,” Geir Pedersen stated while briefing ambassadors at the Security Council.

“I want to issue a clear warning: the regional spillover into Syria is alarming and could worsen, with serious implications for both Syria and international peace and security. Syria demands our collective attention.”

Displacement Crisis and Israeli Strikes

Approximately 425,000 people, including 300,000 Syrians, have fled into Syria from Lebanon in recent weeks, escaping intensified airstrikes and violence. This influx is exacerbating Syria’s ongoing humanitarian crisis, leading to severe shortages of essential services such as fuel and water.

Since October 7 of last year, Israel has conducted over 116 airstrikes across Syria, targeting infrastructure and urban centers, including the capital Damascus, claiming these actions are aimed at Hezbollah and Iranian-linked arms routes.

“However, the Syrian Government and various monitors have highlighted the significant impact on civilians, with alarming reports of deaths and casualties from Israeli strikes, along with damage to civilian and economic infrastructure,” Mr. Pedersen reported.

The bombardment has also disrupted critical trade routes between Beirut and Damascus, significantly reducing commercial traffic and causing gasoline prices in Syria to double.

Mr. Pedersen noted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted construction activities near the separation area in the Occupied Syrian Golan, including the deployment of an IDF battle tank and excavators across the ceasefire line.

“According to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, no military forces, equipment, or activities by either Israel or Syria are allowed in the area of separation,” he said, adding that drone strikes and rocket fire near the area have heightened regional tensions.

Regional escalation has also fueled conflict in northwest Syria, where the terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has launched attacks on government-held areas. Russian airstrikes have resumed, and pro-government forces have significantly increased drone strikes and shelling, resulting in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

Simultaneously, in the northeast, there have been reports of renewed attacks on United States military bases, prompting US artillery fire. “This has heightened tensions in an area already experiencing increased hostilities between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), government forces, armed opposition groups, and reports of Turkish drone strikes,” Mr. Pedersen noted.

Urgent Need for De-escalation

Mr. Pedersen called for the protection of Syria’s sovereignty, stressing that the country should not become a battleground for foreign powers to settle scores. He warned that further escalation could unravel fragile ceasefire agreements in place for the past four years, complicating peace efforts.

Reiterating the need for humanitarian aid, he urged international donors to enhance their support for Syria and emphasized the importance of resuming the stalled Syrian peace process under Security Council resolution 2254.

With the regional conflict intensifying and the humanitarian crisis worsening, Syria now faces additional pressures, Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told ambassadors.

She noted that Damascus has kept its borders open and introduced eased entry procedures, including temporarily waiving currency requirements and accepting alternative forms of identification. Host centers have been established across ten governorates, providing temporary shelter, education, and healthcare services.

However, additional international support is crucial, as the increased demand for assistance has strained already limited humanitarian budgets. Earlier this month, the UN and humanitarian partners launched an inter-agency appeal for an additional $324 million to support up to 480,000 people over the next six months.

Ms. Wosornu warned that Syria’s long-term humanitarian needs must not be overlooked amid regional crises. She stated that both immediate emergency assistance and long-term recovery efforts are vital to prevent the crisis from worsening, noting that the UN plans to launch an Early Recovery Strategy for 2024-2028 aimed at improving healthcare, education, water management, and sustainable livelihoods.

“Syrians have suffered for far too long. Alongside de-escalation in the region, efforts for peace and stability in Syria are as urgent now as they have ever been,” she concluded.