UN alarmed by civilian deaths in Aleppo, urges de-escalation and implementation of March 10 agreement

The United Nations on Monday warned of civilian harm in Aleppo and called for immediate measures to de-escalate hostilities and protect civilians while urging implementation of a March 10 agreement.

At a daily briefing, the UN spokesperson Steph said the Secretary-General was "alarmed by reports of civilian deaths and injuries following hostilities in Aleppo," and reiterated that "all parties have a clear obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure." Steph urged "avoidance of any further escalation" and called on parties to exercise restraint and resume political negotiations to implement prior agreements.

In response to a question about steps needed to implement the March 10 agreement, the spokesperson said an important concrete measure would be for the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to agree on placing security forces under a unified command that represents the Syrian state, so that all Syrians could feel protected regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Journalists asked about Kurdish allegations that Damascus was waging a "war of extermination" in some Kurdish-controlled zones. Steph said the UN lacks access to those zones, expressed concern about the reported conduct and rhetoric, and reinforced the Secretary-General's call for a halt to the operations and for renewed negotiations between the SDF and the government.

The spokesperson also said UN mission representatives and the resident coordinator on the ground are engaged in efforts to de-escalate and to maintain humanitarian corridors so goods continue to reach areas in need. No new UN-mandated military measures or timelines were announced at the briefing.