Joint Statement by UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Crisis, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, on the killing of a humanitarian worker in an attack on Ad Dabousiyah border [EN/AR]

Damascus / Amman, 27 November 2024

We are extremely saddened by the killing of Muhannad Jakish, a volunteer with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), and the injury of several of his colleagues in the air attack on Ad Dabousiyah border crossing in Homs this morning. We extend our sincere condolences to Muhannad’s family, friends and colleagues, and we wish the injured a quick recovery.

Not only has the attack resulted in the deplorable killing of a humanitarian worker and injuring others, but it has also resulted in three civilian deaths and at least a dozen injuries including women and children. The attack caused severe damage to a number of SARC ambulances and other humanitarian objects and rendered two bridges inoperable. As a result, all humanitarian operations at border crossings in the country are suspended until further notice. We have repeatedly flagged that humanitarian workers, humanitarian objects and humanitarian operations are protected under international humanitarian law and must not be caught in the line of fire.

We have time and again reiterated that civilians and civilian objects are protected under international humanitarian law and must not be caught in line of fire. Nonetheless, we are faced today with unabated impunity.

Once again, we urge the international community to take immediate and decisive action to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure as well as humanitarians and humanitarian operations across Syria, in full accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Impunity must end here and now.

For more information:

Ghalia Seifo, Public Information Officer, UNOCHA Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa
Mobile: + 962 79 897 4125