Middle East Tensions Rise: UN Warns Israel Over Syrian Strikes
The United Nations has expressed strong concerns about the escalating tensions in Syria amid increased Israeli airstrikes and regional spillovers from the Israel-Hamas conflict.
UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, highlighted that the conflict is exacerbating Syria’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The situation includes over 425,000 people fleeing violence, worsening shortages of essentials, and rising civilian casualties due to airstrikes targeting what Israel claims are Hezbollah and Iranian-linked facilities.
The strikes, along with other military activities, have disrupted vital infrastructure and trade routes, particularly between Lebanon and Damascus.
Pedersen also pointed out violations of the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, which prohibits military activity in the Syrian Golan buffer zone.
The UN has called for urgent de-escalation and increased international humanitarian aid to address the deteriorating conditions.
This situation adds to the complexity of regional conflicts, as Syria faces heightened hostilities involving multiple actors, including the United States, Turkey, and Russian forces.
The UN urges international powers to protect Syria’s sovereignty and work towards a resolution under established peace frameworks.