Country: Syrian Arab Republic Source: UN Office of the Special Envoy for Syria Please refer to the attached file. The Special Envoy for Syria, Geir O. Pedersen, is deeply concerned over the ongoing escalation of violence in Druze-majority Suweida governorate, which has so far claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians, as well as interim authority forces and local armed groups, and injured and displaced many more.The Special Envoy unequivocally condemns all acts of violence against civilians and expresses deep concern over serious allegations of extrajudicial executions and arbitrary killings. He is also deeply alarmed by reports of civilians, religious figures and detainees being subject to humiliating treatment; the desecreation and multilation of corpses; sectarian incitement; and of the looting of private property.The Special Envoy fully echoes the statement of the Secretary-General earlier today. He has mobilised all available channels to address this unfolding situation, and his team is actively engaged on the ground in Damascus reaching out to all parties.The Special Envoy echoes the call by the Secretary-General on the interim authorities and local stakeholders to immediately de-escalate, protect civilians, restore calm, return to dialogue, and prevent further incitement. He takes note of ongoing efforts to establish a ceasefire and hopes that they will translate into genuine and lasting de-escalation on the ground that includes all sides and stakeholders. He also urges the interim authorities to investigate transparently and openly and hold to account those responsible for violations.The Special Envoy strongly condemns the escalating Israel’s airstrikes on Syrian territory, including in the centre of Damascus and on official buildings – which are putting civilian lives at risk and have resulted in casualties. He urges Israel to cease immediately all violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and refrain from unilateral measures that exacerbate conflict.The Special Envoy reiterates that it is crucial to facilitate a credible, orderly and inclusive political transition in Syria, based on the tenets of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with the key principles of Security Council resolution 2254 (2015). He continues to appeal to the Syrian interim authorities and all Syrian stakeholders to continue to build a foundation of political consensus that can serve as a stabilising factor, and that is representative of the unity and diversity of the country and all its components. He urges all parties to respect such principles and to refrain from any action that could jeopardise these objectives.