Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides on the latest developments around Idlib, Syria

Significant increases in hostilities in the Syrian governorates of Idlib and northern Hama over the past month have caused an estimated 160 civilian casualties and the further displacement of well over 200,000 people.

We expect the Syrian regime and the Astana guarantors to fulfil immediately their responsibilities and commitments, and ensure the immediate protection of civilians. Far too many lives have been lost, far too much suffering has been inflicted on the Syrian people.

The EU recalls that all parties to the conflict are bound to respect and uphold international humanitarian law and to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need. 

Indiscriminate attacks on women and children and other civilians, their displacement, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure cannot be justified under any circumstances. 

We support the call for justice that comes from Syrians and we will keep on working to bring relief to the Syrian people.

 The current hostilities demonstrate once again that there can be no military solution to the conflict in Syria, which continues to claim the lives of Syrian civilians and cause the displacement of millions more across the country.  This is why the EU continues to work for an inclusive, genuine and comprehensive political transition according to UNSCR 2254 and the Geneva communique.