Statement by David Carden, Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, on the escalation of hostilities in north-west Syria, 17 October 2024 [EN/AR]

Gaziantep, 17 October 2024

I am alarmed by the escalating hostilities and violence in north-west Syria since 14 October. At least 122 attacks have been reported in three days, 115 of which struck Idleb and western Aleppo, including residential areas, local shops and farmland.

Among the attacks were the first series of airstrikes in three months. On 14 October, three airstrikes struck close to a tent settlement in Idleb, where families were receiving food assistance. The families spoke with UN staff on the ground, expressing their feelings of insecurity and fear. The following day, two airstrikes struck a power station west of Idleb city, disabling two water stations that serve 30,000 people in 17 villages.

During the same period, artillery shelling and clashes have also been reported in northern Aleppo, affecting schools and displacement camps.

Since the start of the recent escalation on 14 October, 12 civilians, including three children under 10 years old, have been killed in north-west Syria, and at least 27 others have been injured, according to local health authorities. The fighting has also halted critical humanitarian activities, including services provided by ten health facilities.

I offer my deepest condolences to the families of those affected. The UN continues to call on all parties to the conflict to take all necessary measures to ensure that civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected, in accordance with international humanitarian law, and to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers.

For further information:
Madevi Sun-Suon, Head of Communications and Reporting, OCHA Türkiye, Gaziantep
Mobile: +90 534 2616515 | E-mail: madevi.sun-suon@un.org