The Federal Government is very concerned by the continuing escalation of violence in northwest Syria. On Monday (22 July), one of the worst air strikes since the beginning of the offensive three months ago was carried out by the Syrian regime and its allies on civilian-populated areas, including a busy market in the city of Maarat al-Numan.

We urge all parties to the conflict, in particular the Syrian regime and its allies, to cease all attacks immediately, to comply with the ceasefire agreement of 17 September 2018, to fulfil their obligations with respect to international humanitarian law and to guarantee the protection of the civilian population and humanitarian aid workers. We condemn targeted attacks on the civilian population as well as on medical facilities and humanitarian aid workers in the strongest possible terms.

Only a political settlement negotiated within the framework of the UN-led political process can lead to a lasting end to the conflict in Syria and end the suffering of the civilian population.