The Security Council discusses the situation in Syria and the United Nations calls for the protection of civilians and the continuation of dialogue

In addition to the fifteen member states of the Security Council, representatives of Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Turkey and Israel are scheduled to speak during the meeting.

What happened in Syria?

Early this month, the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) held talks on implementing the “March 10 Agreement” that they had previously reached. But these talks did not yield any progress. After that, clashes broke out in and around the neighborhoods controlled by SDF forces in the city of Aleppo.

It was reported that this led to the displacement of tens of thousands of people, the killing of dozens, and the injury of hundreds, in addition to the loss of traces of others.

Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations for Middle East and European Affairs in the Departments of Political Affairs and Peace Operations, said in his briefing to the Security Council: “With mediation from the United States of America and other international partners, a ‘ceasefire and full integration agreement’ was announced on January 18 between President Al-Sharaa and the (SDF) commander, Major General Mazloum Abdi, to stop the fighting and ensure the full integration of all three northeastern governorates under the control of the central government.”

A subsequent meeting between them did not succeed in implementing the agreement, and the fighting resumed.

Then, on Tuesday, the Syrian presidency announced a “joint understanding” between the government and the SDF, according to which the SDF was given a period of four days to consult.

Critical period and tense situation

Khiari described the current period as critical, and said that the situation on the ground is still very tense, marred by exchanges of fire and clashes between government forces and SDF in parts of Hasakah Governorate and the outskirts of Ayn al-Arab, known as Kobani.

The UN official pointed to a crisis related to the humanitarian situation and protection, and the urgent need for all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access.

Protecting civilians and continuing dialogue and international support

The UN Secretary-General expressed concern about the continuing violence and strongly called for respect for international law and the protection of civilians. He urged the parties to continue the dialogue and move forward in good faith by working together to ensure the implementation of all agreements.

Khaled Khayari appealed to the two parties to immediately comply with the ceasefire in accordance with the January 18 agreement, and to engage in defining and implementing the details of the latest understanding announced on January 20, urgently and in the spirit of compromise to ensure the peaceful integration of northeastern Syria in support of the broader transition process in Syria.

Khiari referred to a decree issued by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa regarding the linguistic, cultural and citizenship rights of Syrian Kurds within the Syrian state. The UN official said: “It is an important issue for the future, and the unprecedented decree is an encouraging initiative to build on through a truly inclusive process.”

Khiari stressed that the United Nations fully supports and encourages Syrian efforts to advance an inclusive political process, equal participation of all components of Syrian society and the meaningful engagement of women to promote harmony and unity at the national level.

Foreign fighters

Khiari said that the United Nations shares the concern about the presence of foreign terrorist fighters in Syria. He pointed out that control of some detention centers for ISIS fighters had transferred during the fighting in northeastern Syria, from the Syrian Democratic Forces to government forces, as happened in Al-Hawl camp in Hasakah.

While reports indicate that some detainees have escaped, Khayari called for full attention to be given to ensuring that ISIS detention facilities still under SDF control are handed over to the Syrian government in an orderly manner.

He referred to the United States’ announcement of its mission to transfer ISIS detainees from Syria to Iraq, where 150 ISIS members who were detained in Hasakah have already been transferred to a safe facility in Iraq.

Israeli violations of Syria’s sovereignty

The UN official said that the Israeli incursions into southern Syria continue to undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He welcomed the Security Council’s renewal of the mandate UNDOF Mission (United Nations Disengagement Observer Forces) for a period of six months.

He reiterated the Secretary-General’s call on Israel to refrain from violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. He called on the parties to respect the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, and to withdraw Israeli forces from the areas they entered after December 8, 2024.

More details later…