Cordone began by addressing how “the alarming regional escalation” is affecting Syria, which remains on the path to political transition more than a year after the overthrow of the Assad regime and 14 years of civil war.
“Incidents within Syrian territory have focused mainly on falling debris following the interception of Iranian missiles and drones. in Syrian airspace, causing civilian casualties, and A bombing incident from Lebanon attributed to Hezbollah.“, said.
Israeli helicopter and drone operations have also increased in Syrian airspace, and Israeli forces continued to conduct raids into Syrian territory.
Thousands flee Lebanon
Furthermore, Israeli airstrikes against Lebanon have killed Lebanese and Syrian citizens and forced approximately 140,000 people, mostly Syrian citizens, to cross into Syria in search of security.
“I reiterate our call in this context for Israel to fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria.adhere to the terms of the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement and refrain from any actions that could undermine Syria’s stability and political transition,” he said.
The envoy praised the Syrian government for its commitment to regional and international stakeholders to isolate the country from further escalation and ensure that its territory is not used in a way that could widen the conflict.
“Syria’s strong but fragile recovery – political, institutional and economic – could be undermined by the impact of a protracted regional conflict,” he warned.
“Let us redouble our efforts to help Syria protect itself from this conflict.and let us refocus on helping Syria continue, and even accelerate, its path to recovery, reconstruction and stability.”
People gather at Lebanon’s Masnaa border point as they wait to cross into Syria to escape the ongoing conflict.
‘New strain in a fragile moment’
Ms. Msuya, UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, reported on the humanitarian aspects of the crisis.
“For Syria, this escalation adds new tension at a fragile moment, one that still offers a genuine opportunity for progress,” he said.
It noted that falling debris has killed or injured several people, in addition to damaging property, while dozens of people who fled Lebanon join around 1.5 million refugees who have returned from neighboring countries since December 2024.
A ‘fragile’ opportunity
However, humanitarian operations continue in Syria despite airspace restrictions, the closure of the airport in the capital, Damascus, and increased security risks.
“As we have consistently told this Council, Syria has an important opportunity to move toward economic recovery, gradually reduce humanitarian needs and reduce dependence on large-scale humanitarian assistance,” he said.
“But this opportunity remains fragile and will require sustained international support, particularly in the face of regional volatility.”
Joyce Msuya (right), UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, briefs the Security Council meeting on the Middle East.
Diplomacy, aid and investment
Ms Msuya made three requests to ambassadors, first calling for “sustained diplomatic engagement to resolve remaining flashpoints” and ensure the stability needed for people to return home and recovery to begin.
“This includes consolidating security improvements in areas such as northeastern Syria, where recent violence has added to existing needs. But it also includes addressing the current regional escalation,” he said.
“Beyond the danger of a direct military overflow, the The prolonged disruption of sea routes, coupled with rising prices for fuel, fertilizer and other essential goods, could deal a severe blow to Syria’s already fragile economy. – just as it begins to recover and reconnect with the world after years of conflict and isolation.”
He also highlighted the need to sustain critical humanitarian assistance in the short term, as operations remain limited by funding shortfalls, liquidity issues and the lack of banking and other services in many parts of the country.
“It would be a tragic mistake if our support for the people of Syria lost momentum now,” he said.
UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Yusra Mardini speaks at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East.
Breaking down the “walls of division”
Ms Mardini – a member of the first refugee team to compete in the Olympics – described herself as a child of war. He said half of all children in Syria today have never known a single day of peace.
He emphasized that his homeland requires years of recovery that is not just physical.
“Syria also requires reconciliation and social recovery: a future in which no religious sect divides us and in which no group is favored over another. We must tear down the walls of division, not build new ones.“, said.
Ms. Mardini also spoke of the challenges facing young Syrians and urged the international community to provide financial support, investment and capacity building so that Syria can once again build a world-class education system.