INTERSOS is deeply concerned with the recent conflict escalation in Syria, with reports of scores of civilian casualties and a further displacement of thousands of civilians.
After almost 14 years of war in Syria, with nearly 17 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, with many displaced multiple times, and the influx of 560,000 Syrian and Lebanese people fleeing war in Lebanon, the latest escalation will add to deepening protection concerns and humanitarian needs in Syria. This also further highlights that the conditions for returns to Syria are far from safe.
The current escalation is impacting our humanitarian capacities, as one of INTERSOS centres in Idlib was damaged and looted by armed groups, while another centre was occupied, posing a clear challenge to humanitarian assistance there. However, INTERSOS, active in Syria since 2019, remains committed to stay and continue delivering humanitarian assistance.
We urge all parties involved in the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians, including the safety of aid workers and aid facilities. Under IHL, civilians, civilian infrastructure, as well as humanitarian staff and facilities, must not be targeted.