Syria: Statement by the Spokesperson on the situation in Daraa

South-west Syria is seeing the worst and deadliest violence since 2018. Heavy shelling has killed dozens of civilians including women and children and 10,000 people have been displaced. The Daraa National Hospital, serving 50,000 people, was hit by mortars. There is a severe risk of escalation throughout Daraa province and beyond.

All parties must as a first priority protect the inhabitants of Daraa and ensure unhindered, safe and sustainable humanitarian access. The European Union joins United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, in his call on all parties in Syria to adhere to the principle of protection of civilians and international humanitarian law and urges all parties to avoid escalation and restore calm.

These attacks show once more the need to step up the efforts to reach a peaceful political solution and the EU reiterates its support for the UN Special Envoy in this regard. Only a political process that respects the freedom and the dignity of all Syrian people in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2254 can bring about a lasting solution to the conflict.