A UN official raises concerns over escalating violence in Syria amidst intensified airstrikes by Israel
The UN's Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, Najat Rochdi, has raised alarms over the worsening impact of regional conflicts on Syria, warning that escalating attacks could make 2023 the most violent year since 2020.
Addressing the UN Security Council on Thursday, Rochdi called on nations and influential parties to prevent Syria from being drawn further into broader regional turmoil. She highlighted a sharp rise in Israeli airstrikes, noting their increased frequency and scale.
Rochdi specifically mentioned a deadly strike near Palmyra on Wednesday, describing it as "likely the deadliest Israeli strike in Syria to date." She also criticized strikes on residential areas in Damascus, as well as on critical infrastructure like bridges, roads, and border crossings, which have disrupted essential imports, exports, and efforts by civilians fleeing the conflict in Lebanon.
Edem Wosornu, operations director for the UN humanitarian office, reported that since late September, approximately 540,000 people have crossed into Syria from Lebanon amid Israel's attacks on the region, with an estimated two-thirds being Syrian nationals.
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