Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the situation in the Middle East
The Secretary-General followed with utmost concern reports overnight of missile launches from Syria targeting Israeli
positions and retaliatory strikes by the Israel Defense Forces, that followed earlier strikes in Syria on Sunday, 6 May.
He notes with relief today’s partial normalization of the situation.
The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has maintained contact with the Syrian Arab Armed Forces and
Israel Defense Forces, urging both parties to exercise maximum restraint and abide by their obligations under the
Disengagement of Forces Agreement.
The Secretary-General urges for an immediate halt to all hostile acts and any provocative actions to avoid a new
conflagration in the region already embroiled in terrible conflicts with immense suffering of civilians.
The Secretary-General reiterates the United Nations unwavering support to long term de-escalation efforts, and stability
in the Middle East. The United Nations will continue to advance and support all efforts aimed at further de-escalation
in the region. In this context, the Secretary-General reiterates that the conflict in Syria should be brought to an end
with a political solution through the Geneva intra-Syrian talks, as stipulated in resolution 2254 of the Security
Council.
The Secretary-General calls on the Security Council to remain actively seized of the matter and shoulder its
responsibilities under the Charter. He stands ready to work closely with all its members in this regard.