Joint Statement by UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria, Adam Abdelmoula, and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, on the recent hostilities in Syria, 8 March 2025 [EN/AR]

We are following closely the disturbing developments in coastal and central areas in Syria, with reports of heavy weaponry in use. Since Thursday, escalating hostilities in Tartous, Lattakia, Homs, and Hama Governorates, have resulted in civilian deaths and injuries, displacement, damage to civilian infrastructure, while access to affected areas remains heavily restricted.

The situation remains highly fluid, with unverified numbers of civilian deaths and injuries, including a UNRWA staff member, who lost his life on Jableh bridge on Thursday. Thousands of people have reportedly been displaced in the coastal areas. Several civilians injured were reportedly referred to hospitals in Homs Governorate.

The impact on critical civilian infrastructure is severe. Six referral hospitals and several ambulances have been rendered inoperable due to the fighting, while the Homs-Latakia highway remains blocked. Since yesterday, Latakia Governorate has experienced a widespread electricity outage.

These incidents had direct impact on the Humanitarian operations which have been severely disrupted. All humanitarian missions to and within coastal areas have been suspended, and aid workers have been advised to remain indoors. Curfews and movement restrictions continue to hinder access to essential services.

We urge all parties to immediately cease hostilities and spare civilians, civilian infrastructure, and aid operations, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and allowing for the immediate, safe, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need.

We extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

For more information:

Ghalia Seifo, Public Information Officer, OCHA Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa Mobile: + 962 79 897 4125 | E-mail: seifo@un.org