I am closely monitoring the situation on the ground in Syria. Recent days have seen a dramatic shift in frontlines, including significant advances by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group that remains a designated terrorist group by the Security Council, and a wide range of armed opposition factions. We have also seen pro-Government airstrikes.

In a country torn by nearly 14 years of war and conflict, the latest developments pose severe risks to civilians and have serious implications for regional and international peace and security.

As an immediate priority, I strongly emphasize the urgent need for all to uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. This is a clear message to all parties engaged in hostilities of any kind. I will continue to push for civilian protection and de-escalation. 

I have repeatedly warned of the risks of escalation in Syria, of the dangers of mere conflict management rather than conflict resolution, and the reality that no Syrian party or existing grouping of actors can resolve the Syrian conflict via military means.

What we see in Syria today is a mark of a collective failure to bring about what has plainly been required now for many years – a genuine political process to implement Security Council resolution 2254 (2015).

The Syrian parties and key international stakeholders need to be seriously engaged in meaningful and substantive negotiations to find a way out of the conflict. Without this, Syria is in danger of further division, deterioration, and destruction.

 Accordingly, I call for urgent and serious political engagement – among Syrian and international stakeholders - to spare bloodshed and focus on a political solution in accordance with Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). I will continue to engage all parties and stand ready to use my good offices to convene international and Syria stakeholders in new and comprehensive peace talks on Syria.