The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, issued a stark warning on Wednesday about the potential spillover of the ongoing regional conflict into Syria. Speaking at the UN Security Council, Pedersen expressed concerns about the worsening situation in the Middle East, citing the violence in Gaza and Lebanon and its impact on Syria.
“The spillover of the regional conflict into Syria is worrying and could get worse, with serious consequences for Syria and for international peace and security,” Pedersen told the council during a session on the Syrian crisis.
Pedersen emphasized the fragility of the situation in Syria, which has been mired in conflict for over a decade. He highlighted the ongoing suffering of Syrians, who remain “politically and geographically divided into different regions, and are exposed to enormous and different pressures.”
In his address, Pedersen outlined five urgent steps that he believes are necessary to protect Syria from further destabilization. His first call was for the protection of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid growing regional tensions. “Syria cannot become an open arena for all, where they settle their various scores or inflame other theaters,” Pedersen declared.
The Special Envoy warned that the recent escalation could lead to the collapse of ceasefire agreements within Syria that have held tenuously for nearly four years. He urged renewed efforts to de-escalate the situation and achieve a comprehensive ceasefire in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
Pedersen also called on all international actors, including Israel, to adhere to international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in military operations. He expressed particular concern over the increase in Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory, noting that last month saw the heaviest bombardments in over a decade, with dozens of sites targeted, including residential areas in Damascus.
The Special Envoy reiterated the need to resume the Syrian-led political process, which has been stalled for years, to prevent further deterioration of the situation. He warned that ongoing hostilities and regional dynamics were making it increasingly difficult to combat terrorist groups such as ISIS, which remain active in the region.
