Thu Dec 05 18:22:04 UTC 2024: ## UN Warns of Catastrophe as Syrian Civil War Reignites; Tens of Thousands at Risk
**NEW YORK/DAMASCUS** – A renewed offensive by Syrian opposition forces has plunged the country into a deepening humanitarian crisis, prompting urgent calls for de-escalation from the UN and warnings of a potential catastrophe. The offensive, launched eight days ago by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate, has already resulted in the capture of strategic cities including Homs and Aleppo, displacing over 280,000 people, according to the UN World Food Programme.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the escalating conflict as a “chronic collective failure” of diplomacy, emphasizing the immediate risk to tens of thousands of civilians. He called for unrestricted humanitarian access and a return to UN-mediated political negotiations to end the violence.
Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has pledged its support to the Syrian government, claiming the offensive is sponsored by the US and Israel. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated the group will assist Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in thwarting the opposition’s advance, despite currently observing a US-brokered ceasefire with Israel.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has hosted millions of Syrian refugees, also urged al-Assad to seek a political solution to the conflict, highlighting Turkey’s efforts to de-escalate the situation and protect civilians. While previously a staunch critic of al-Assad, Erdoğan has adopted a more conciliatory tone recently.
The renewed fighting marks a significant escalation in the thirteen-year-old Syrian civil war, which had largely stagnated since 2020. The international community faces growing pressure to intervene and prevent further displacement and suffering amidst the escalating humanitarian crisis.
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