Najat Rochdi, the United Nations’ Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, informed the Security Council’s ambassadors that Israeli airstrikes targeted the Damascus airport over the weekend. This was in addition to previous airstrikes and artillery attacks on various locations in Syria, which allegedly resulted in the death of a civilian airport employee.
She mentioned that the airstrikes occurred at the same time as reports of rockets and missiles being launched from southern Syria towards Israel’s Occupied Syrian Golan.
According to Ms. Rochdi, the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) has stated that a drone attack in Eilat, located in southern Israel, was carried out by a group in Syria. In response, the IDF conducted airstrikes against this group.
Avoid playing with fire.
The conflict in Syria has been ongoing for 12 years and has not slowed down. Airstrikes, bombardment, clashes, and assassination attempts have occurred in multiple locations. She emphasized the importance of de-escalation and called for a renewed focus on the political process.
Ms. Rochdi warned that further perpetuating violence would be a dangerous move, as even a small mistake such as an accidental artillery shell or misjudged airstrike could lead to multiple conflicts within the borders of Syria.
We require more than just positive intentions. We need consistent efforts towards de-escalation, effectively implemented through strong communication channels among all involved parties. The harm done to civilians, including their deaths, injuries, and displacement, as well as the destruction of infrastructure, must not simply decrease, but come to a complete end.
Political solution vital
The high-ranking representative from the United Nations emphasized the significance of a trustworthy and thorough method for achieving a resolution in politics. This approach should address all matters of worry.
“Despite the ongoing crisis in the region, focus on Syria has lessened. However, Syria remains a crucial aspect of the larger issue at hand. The current state of affairs in Syria is too perilous to be ignored,” stated the speaker.
“We must provide the Syrian parties and people with a sense of hope and a viable political solution to their conflict. Otherwise, I am concerned that the situation will continue to escalate and potentially affect the already tumultuous region,” she stated.
Edem Wosornu, the individual in charge of overseeing operations at OCHA, gives a presentation at the Security Council session regarding Syria.
There has been a significant decrease in funding, reaching an all-time low.
Additionally, during a briefing to the Security Council, Edem Wosornu, the Director of Operations at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), emphasized the dire situation facing millions of individuals who have been forced to flee their homes in Syria, exacerbated by the impending winter season.
She stated that the absence of safeguards against low temperatures presents serious health hazards, especially for susceptible groups like young children and elderly individuals.
The United Nations estimates that 5.7 million individuals in Syria require urgent aid for shelter to endure the harsh winter conditions. Their top needs include inadequate housing, inadequate heating, and insufficient clothing and household supplies.
According to Ms. Wosornu, humanitarians are making every effort to address and give importance to these needs, despite having limited resources.
Support needed now
“We have currently assisted 26,000 families in receiving decent homes, and we continue to work towards providing similar aid to an additional 7,000 families. However, we are currently facing a concerning 70% deficit in the necessary funds to deliver this essential assistance.”
She notified members of the Council that the Humanitarian Response Plan for Syria is only 33% funded, despite there being only one month left in the year.
The speaker emphasized the significant effect of the insufficient resources on our capacity to assist millions of individuals in dire situations in Syria. They urged for more assistance from donors to save lives and prevent a worsening of the already dire humanitarian crisis.
Source: news.un.org
