The United Nations Security Council expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence in Sweida Governorate, Syria, since July 12, and called on all parties to adhere to a ceasefire and protect civilians. The Council strongly condemned acts of violence against civilians that led to the displacement of about 192,000 people and urged the facilitation of full, rapid, and safe humanitarian aid delivery. It emphasized the need to provide protection to all Syrians regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliations, affirming that achieving peace requires ensuring security and judicial accountability for all perpetrators of violence. The Council welcomed the declaration by the temporary authorities in Syria condemning the violence and committing to transparent and comprehensive investigations. It reaffirmed respect for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and unity, rejecting any negative interference in the political, security, and economic transition, and called to refrain from any destabilizing actions.

The Council also stressed the importance of adhering to the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel and the role of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force. It expressed concern about the terrorist threat, especially from foreign fighters, and called for combating all forms of terrorism. Furthermore, it confirmed the necessity of implementing a comprehensive political process led by Syrians themselves aimed at protecting everyone’s rights, based on Security Council Resolution 2254, with support from the United Nations and the special envoy in this regard.