The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has expressed alarm over escalating hostilities in Syria, specifically in the northeastern neighborhoods, leading to civilian casualties and injuries. He is calling for an immediate de-escalation and renewed dialogue to halt the ongoing clashes. This situation highlights the critical need for understanding the complexities of the Syrian conflict and the UN’s role in seeking peace. The UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, emphasized that all parties involved are legally bound under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, a principle that appears to be severely tested by the recent events. The renewed fighting in Aleppo, Syria, has resulted in significant displacement and prompted urgent calls for a cessation of hostilities and a return to political negotiations. Clashes between the General Security Forces of the transition government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) resumed after a brief ceasefire in late December 2025. The initial skirmishes, which began near a major roundabout, quickly spread to densely populated Kurdish neighborhoods, with shelling impacting surrounding government-controlled areas and causing widespread damage to homes and essential public infrastructure, including healthcare facilities. Three major hospitals have reportedly ceased operations, and air traffic at Aleppo International Airport has been suspended since Tuesday, further isolating the affected region and hindering humanitarian efforts. The UN chief strongly urged all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and take all necessary measures to prevent further harm to civilians, underscoring the gravity of the humanitarian situation. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that approximately 30,000 people have been displaced, with a significant number seeking refuge in the Afrin district and collective centers within Aleppo. Thousands more have fled their homes, finding shelter with host communities, while local authorities have opened temporary shelters and humanitarian corridors to facilitate evacuations. The Secretary-General also called for flexibility and goodwill from all sides on both military and political fronts to resume negotiations and fully implement the March 10th agreement. A key measure for achieving lasting security would be an agreement on placing all security forces under a unified national command, fostering a state where all Syrians feel safe and protected. This latest outbreak of violence occurs during a delicate transition period following the fall of the Assad Government in December 2024. Since then, various parts of the country have experienced flare-ups of sectarian violence, leading to further displacement and exacerbating fears among a population still recovering from nearly 14 years of devastating conflict. Millions of Syrians remain heavily reliant on humanitarian aid, with many facing another winter in inadequate shelters. Heavy snowstorms in late December further impacted internally displaced persons, with reports of infant deaths from extreme cold and widespread damage to shelters, leaving families vulnerable to freezing temperatures. OCHA warns that without immediate and substantial humanitarian assistance, health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, will continue to escalate, compounded by ongoing insecurity that restricts access for aid delivery. The current situation in Syria underscores the persistent challenges in achieving lasting peace and security for its citizens.
