The United Nations envoy to Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, issued a stark warning on Monday, cautioning that the escalating hostilities between Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon risk triggering a wider regional war.
His appeal for an immediate ceasefire came amid intensifying violence, which threatens to engulf neighbouring countries in a domino effect of conflict.
Speaking after a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh in Damascus on Sunday, Pedersen underscored the urgency of de-escalation.
“We agreed that it was extremely critical to de-escalate so that Syria is not further dragged into this,” he remarked.
The envoy also expressed concerns over recent Israeli military actions in Syria and Iraq, noting these operations are entangling the nations in broader Middle Eastern hostilities.
“You have seen now increased nervousness in Iraq when it comes to development. So, as I said, we are at a very critical point. I will continue to call for immediate de-escalation,” he added.
Israeli airstrikes across Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon purportedly targeted Hezbollah and Hamas assets, with Israel accusing Syria of sheltering these groups.
On Monday, Lebanese officials reported an Israeli airstrike that killed 29 people in Beirut and other areas in the south.
Sunday witnessed Hezbollah retaliating with an intense barrage of 250 rockets and 100 projectiles into northern Israel.
According to the Israeli Defence Forces, the missiles inflicted “severe damage,” while fighters from Hezbollah launched a fierce counteroffensive in southern Lebanon.
The violence has also exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with approximately 400,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon being forced to return to their homeland.
Pedersen described this situation as placing a “heavy responsibility” on Syria and the international community to ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant is set to visit the United States for the first time following the International Criminal Court’s issuance of an arrest warrant against him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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