In a rare and urgent move, the United Nations Security Council has issued a presidential statement condemning the escalating violence in Syria’s Sweida region. The Council expressed grave concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, calling for the protection of civilians and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid.

The conflict erupted on July 12 following a series of retaliatory kidnappings between Druze and Bedouin communities. What began as localized tensions quickly spiraled into widespread violence, drawing in Syrian security forces and triggering a wave of extrajudicial killings, looting, and desecration of corpses. The brutality has deepened sectarian divides and fueled disinformation across digital platforms.

Nearly 192,000 people have been displaced, prompting the Council to urge all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of medical and aid personnel. While the Syrian interim authorities have condemned the violence and pledged to investigate, the Council emphasized the need for credible, swift, and impartial inquiries that meet international standards.

Reaffirming its commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the Council referenced Resolution 2254 and the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, underscoring the stabilizing role of UNDOF along the Syria-Israel border. It also called on external actors to refrain from interference that could further destabilize the region.

This statement marks a pivotal moment in the international response to Sweida’s crisis, as the UN seeks to prevent further escalation and protect vulnerable communities caught in the crossfire.