The United Nations has condemned Israeli airstrikes and internal clashes amid escalating violence in southern Syria, calling on all parties to respect Syria's territorial integrity and protect civilians from further bloodshed.
This week at the United Nations, escalating violence in southern Syria, including Israeli airstrikes and deadly internal clashes, dominated discussions at both security and human rights forums, as international concern grew over the scale and scope of civilian suffering.
"We're against any violation of Syria's territorial integrity, and I think we said that clearly. The primary responsibility of the protection of Syrians living in Syria, which includes the Druze, other minorities, is that of the government of Syria," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Thursday.
The crisis intensified following a series of armed clashes that erupted on July 13 between local Druze militias and a Bedouin tribe in Syria's southern Sweida province. Syrian interim government security and defense forces intervened, leading to further firefights with some Druze groups.
Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Wednesday against targets in Damascus, Sweida, and Daraa. According to Syrian media, Israel followed up with additional airstrikes on Sweida from Thursday evening to Friday morning.
The Syrian interim authorities on Friday issued a call for restraint amid escalating violence in Sweida, pledging to deploy forces to contain the conflict.
Earlier in the day, Israeli media quoted government officials as saying that Israel had allowed Syrian interim government forces to enter Sweida province, with the permission valid for 48 hours.
Human rights concerns have emerged amid the latest fighting. The U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed grave concern this week.
"Credible reports that our Office has received indicate widespread violations and abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property and looting of homes in the southern city of Sweida. Among the reported perpetrators were members of the security forces and individuals affiliated with the interim authorities, as well as other armed elements from the area, including the Druze and Bedouins," said Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the OHCHR.
"This bloodshed must stop. There must be independent, prompt and transparent investigations into all violations, and those responsible must be held to account. Incitement to violence and hate speech must also be stopped, an there should be immediate steps to prevent recurrence of such violence. We have received accounts of Syrians who are living in fear for their lives and those of their loved ones," said Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesman for the OHCHR.
UN condemns Israeli strikes in Syria, urges protection for civilians
UN condemns Israeli strikes in Syria, urges protection for civilians
UN condemns Israeli strikes in Syria, urges protection for civilians
