UN Warns of Escalating Violence in Syria Amid Ongoing Conflicts
The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has expressed grave concerns regarding the potential spillover of conflict from the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon into Syria. During a briefing to the UN Security Council, Pedersen highlighted the alarming situation in Syria, which he described as on the brink of a "military, humanitarian and economic storm." He noted that last month marked the most extensive Israeli air campaign in Syria in over a decade, with airstrikes reported in residential areas, including the heart of Damascus. The ongoing violence has raised fears of escalating tensions that could undermine existing ceasefire agreements and exacerbate the country's internal conflicts.
The situation is further complicated by the resumption of Russian airstrikes supporting the Syrian government and increased drone activity from pro-government forces. Pedersen's remarks underscore the dire humanitarian situation in Syria, which has already suffered over 500,000 deaths and millions displaced since the onset of its civil war in 2011.
BRICS Calls for Ceasefire in Lebanon as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
In a parallel development, the BRICS nations have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, emphasizing the need to preserve the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This call comes amid escalating violence, including Israeli bombardments in Tyre, Lebanon, which have displaced approximately 1.2 million people. The UN has issued a stark warning that rebuilding Gaza could take up to 350 years if the blockade continues, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis facing the region.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also engaging with Arab leaders in an effort to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. He has urged for a strategic response from Israel to avoid further escalation and has highlighted the potential for normalizing relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, contingent on a resolution to the ongoing violence. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has intensified its attacks on Israeli military targets, further complicating the regional security landscape.
