Syria: The Special Envoy continues his meetings, and the hostilities affect humanitarian operations

This came during Pedersen’s meetings with French, German and Russian officials over the past two days, including Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin.

UN Assistant Spokesperson Florencia Soto Nino-Martinez said that the Special Envoy’s message during those meetings remained consistent, adding that “Mr. Pedersen hopes to visit Syria early in the new year.”.

Humanitarian situation

On the humanitarian front, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that over the past week, hostilities and insecurity have continued across the country, including in the governorates of Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia, Tartous, Rural Damascus, Deir ez-Zor and Quneitra.

He added that due to the tense security situation, humanitarian operations are still suspended in several areas.

He reported that on December 27, there were reports of hostilities in Deir ez-Zor, approximately one kilometer from the United Nations offices there.

The office said that more than 1.7 million people received bread aid in one month, that is, until December 29, and that the number of people who received other food aid reached 265,109 people.

He pointed out that despite the reopening of schools in most governorates, the volatile security situation still affects children’s attendance at schools in the Hama countryside, Quneitra countryside, Latakia, and Tartous.

At the same time, partners are conducting rapid needs assessments in various governorates.