Statement by Federico Jachetti, the Norwegian Refugee Council's (NRC) Syria Country Office Director on the clashes in Syria’s southern city of Sweida and Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory:
“The recent clashes in Sweida and the Israeli airstrikes across Syrian territory represent a grave threat to the people’s ability to recover from years of violence. While the news of an agreement ending the fighting in Sweida is welcomed, ensuring accountability for violations committed against civilians is paramount. Those displaced as a result of the hostilities must be enabled to safely return to their homes.
“With hundreds of deaths reported among civilians, at least 1,200 families have fled their homes to seek shelter with friends and relatives elsewhere in Sweida, in rural areas south of the city, and the neighbouring Daraa governorate. Hospitals in the region are overwhelmed as medication runs out while shops have closed amid water and power cuts.
“Israel’s airstrikes, meanwhile, have exacerbated an already perilous situation. A wave of strikes on Damascus’ main square, residential areas in Sweida, and other locations has killed and injured several civilians.
“These attacks shatter any hope of normalcy returning to Syrian lives. For months, Israel has occupied further Syrian territory in the southwest, repeatedly attacking civilians and civilian infrastructure. The international community must make it clear that such actions are unacceptable, represent a violation of international law, and directly contribute to Syria’s instability.
“Protecting all communities in Syria requires meaningful steps to address harm and restore dignity to those affected by years of violence, poverty and displacement. These guarantees are not only a top priority for many Syrians, they are also a necessary foundation for any real, inclusive recovery.”
Notes to editors:
-
The total death toll among civilians because of clashes in Sweida and Israeli airstrikes remains unconfirmed. As of 15 July, UNHCR estimated that at least 1,200 families have been displaced from Sweida.
For information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
-
NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329