New York - Damascus - Beirut: Europe and the Arabs
The UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed deep concern over the ongoing tense and violent situation on many fronts in Syria, while the Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Joyce Msuya, warned that the escalation of hostilities and regular attacks in several areas in Syria continues to deepen people's suffering. According to the UN's cumulative news bulletin, a copy of which we received this morning, Thursday
In his video briefing to the Security Council yesterday, Wednesday, Pedersen said that Syria and the Syrians were not immune to the escalation in the region, adding that "the violence last month not only left heavy casualties among civilians, but also posed a new threat to international peace and security. Tensions in the region have reached new and dangerous levels with a series of events." Inside Syria, the UN envoy noted that there had been numerous clashes, airstrikes, drone strikes, and exchanges of artillery and rocket fire across north-eastern and north-western Syria, with south-western Syria remaining volatile.

He called for redoubled efforts towards regional de-escalation in the interest of long-term peace and stability for all, including an urgent ceasefire in Gaza, a return to calm in Lebanon and along the Blue Line, and a broader regional de-escalation, stressing that “it is also crucial to de-escalate the Syrian conflict itself.”

“Economic catastrophe”
The Special Envoy for Syria addressed the issue of detainees and missing persons, which continues to require urgent action, with arbitrary detention, arbitrary arrest, torture in detention, and disappearances continuing across Syria.

He also referred to the “dire humanitarian situation” in camps and detention centers in north-eastern Syria, calling on Member States and relevant authorities to significantly step up efforts on repatriations from Al-Hol camp and other places of detention.
He also pointed to the “economic catastrophe” that Syrians continue to face, citing the World Food Programme’s report that the minimum wage in Syria covers only 11% of a family’s basic needs.
He expressed concern about the situation for refugees and displaced persons across Syria and the region.
He said: “Syrians must be protected wherever they are, including in host countries. Anti-refugee rhetoric and actions must stop. Likewise, we must redouble our collective efforts to address the obstacles that refugees themselves say are impeding their return.”
Separately, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution extending the current mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) until August 31, 2025, and demanding the full implementation of its resolution 1701 on the cessation of hostilities by Israel and Hezbollah.
In the resolution adopted on Wednesday, the Security Council stressed its strong support for full respect for the Blue Line and a complete cessation of hostilities, noting the goal of reaching a long-term solution based on the principles and elements of resolution 1701.
The Blue Line, which runs 120 kilometres along Lebanon’s southern border, is a “line of withdrawal” established by the United Nations in 2000 to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
In its resolution, the Security Council urged all parties concerned to implement immediate de-escalation measures, including to restore calm, exercise restraint and achieve stability across the Blue Line.
The Council’s resolution encouraged the Secretary-General to ensure that UNIFIL remains prepared to adapt its activities to support de-escalation. It stressed the importance and need for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution in the Middle East based on all relevant Council resolutions.
In the resolution, the Security Council noted with grave concern the escalating exchanges of fire across the Blue Line since 8 October in violation of the cessation of hostilities, and stressed that further escalation carries a high risk of leading to a full-scale conflict.
The Council expressed its grave concern at the consequences of these tensions, which have caused numerous civilian casualties and forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes. It called on all parties to the armed conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including with regard to the protection of civilians, including children. The Council condemned the incidents that affected UNIFIL premises and personnel and resulted in the injury of several peacekeepers. It reiterated its strong support for the territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon.