UN chief calls for end to fighting in Syria, return to political process

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for a return to the UN-facilitated political process to end the bloodshed in Syria and produce a genuine nationwide ceasefire.

The latest offensive in Syria was launched into Syrian government-controlled areas by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group sanctioned by the UN Security Council, along with a broad range of other armed opposition groups.

"We are seeing the bitter fruits of a chronic collective failure of previous de-escalation arrangements to produce a genuine nationwide ceasefire or a serious political process to implement Security Council resolutions," Guterres said. "These must change."

The UN chief said that after 14 years of conflict, it is high time for all parties to engage seriously with Geir Pedersen, UN special envoy for Syria, to finally chart a new, inclusive and comprehensive approach to resolving this crisis, in line with Security Council resolution 2254.

"It is time for serious dialogue," Guterres noted, adding, "In other words, restoring Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity – and meeting the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people."

By Thursday, the rebel forces had seized major cities such as Aleppo and Hama after the army announced a withdrawal from Hama and redeployment of its forces outside the city.

Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas said in a televised statement on Thursday night the army was ready to reclaim lost areas from rebel forces, describing the army's withdrawal from the central city of Hama as a "tactic," when addressing the ongoing battles against rebel groups.

Abbas described the current field situation as "good," stating that the recent redeployment of forces outside Hama was a "tactical" measure 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," the minister said, adding that the military's actions were part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term stability.

The intensifying conflict in Syria has raised concerns about a humanitarian crisis there. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said local authorities reported tens of thousands of displaced families in Hama, some of whom fled to Homs. 

Hama is the destination city for people fleeing fighting in and around Idlib and Aleppo. Now, there are reports of heavy fighting in Homs.

The OCHA said colleagues and partners continue to provide support to people displaced by the hostilities wherever possible. It added that since the start of the escalation of hostilities last week, more than 30 health facilities in northwest Syria had closed, putting immense strain on the remaining functional hospitals.

The World Health Organization reported providing medical supplies to hospitals, including trauma kits, while health workers are going without pay due to underfunding.

The World Food Program has scaled up operations to assist people affected by the fighting. The agency said it provides ready-to-eat rations and hot meals and has served more than 10,700 people.

(With input from Xinhua)