UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate nationwide ceasefire in Syria and urged all parties to return to UN-led peace talks, aiming to end the 14-year conflict that has devastated the nation.
“We are seeing the bitter fruits of a chronic collective failure to produce a genuine nationwide ceasefire or a serious political process,” Guterres said on Thursday. “This must change.”
The latest surge in violence saw rebel forces, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, launch an offensive into government-controlled areas. By Thursday, they had seized major cities such as Aleppo and Hama after the Syrian army announced a withdrawal from Hama and redeployment of forces outside the city.
Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas described the army’s withdrawal from Hama as a tactical move to protect civilians. “This is a temporary measure. Our forces remain on the outskirts of Hama, fully prepared to fulfill their national and constitutional duties,” he said in a televised statement.
The intensifying conflict has raised serious humanitarian concerns. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported tens of thousands of displaced families in Hama, with many fleeing to Homs amid reports of heavy fighting.
“Colleagues and partners continue to provide support to people displaced by the hostilities wherever possible,” the OCHA stated. Since the escalation last week, over 30 health facilities in northwest Syria have closed, putting immense strain on the remaining hospitals.
The World Health Organization is providing medical supplies, including trauma kits, while health workers are struggling without pay due to underfunding. The World Food Programme has also scaled up operations, offering ready-to-eat rations and hot meals to more than 10,700 people affected by the fighting.
Guterres emphasized the need for all parties to engage seriously with UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, to chart a new, inclusive approach to resolving the crisis. “It is time for serious dialogue,” he noted. “In other words, restoring Syria’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity—and meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.”
After 14 years of conflict, the UN chief’s call highlights the urgent need for peace and stability in Syria, as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
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UN chief calls for ceasefire in Syria, return to political process
cgtn.com
