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Statement attributed to the United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula on the surge of hostilities in Deir-Ez-Zor

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Damascus, 27 April 2024: I am following with great concern the recent surge in violence in the eastern part of Deir-Ez-Zor in north-east Syria.

Since Monday, hostilities have been reportedly escalated in the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. Alarming reports of raids and arrest campaigns have been received from these locations.

While the campaign is taking place on the eastern side of the river, stray bullets and sniper activities have also been reported towards the western side within very close proximity to the UN hub and humanitarian partners premises. Material damage to humanitarian assets has been reported. Mortar shelling reportedly took place within the vicinity of a school in southeast rural Deir-Ez-Zor.

This is the first time sniper activity is reported on targets extremely close to the UN hub in DeirEz-Zor. Access to the UN hub and partners' offices has been limited until further notice as we evaluate the situation.

These attacks further complicate the already dire situation in Syria, interrupt humanitarian activities, and disrupt humanitarian access. Civilians in Syria continue to suffer from damage inflicted on civilian infrastructure, further degrading their wellbeing and ability to access services.

I call upon all parties to immediately cease hostilities impacting aid operations and the civilians we serve in Deir-Ez-Zor and all other areas in Syria in line with International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law. Safe, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access must be ensured to all in need in Syria wherever they are.

International Humanitarian Law explicitly prohibits directing attacks against humanitarian personnel and objects. Humanitarians are not a target and must not be caught in the line of fire.
27 April 2024