UNITED NATIONS, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Hostilities in Syria's Idlib de-escalation zone reportedly resulted in over 30 civilian deaths, including women and children, since July 12, a UN spokesperson said Tuesday.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that the United Nations remains deeply concerned over the safety and protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure following continued reports of hostilities in northwest Syria over the last days, including airstrikes, shelling and the alleged use of barrel bombs.
Speaking at the UN press briefing, Haq said that the hostilities are also reported to have resulted in attacks on civilian infrastructure, some of which have cut off access to clean water for thousands of people.
The United Nations continues to urge all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to exercise restraint, he added.
In September 2018, Russia and Turkey brokered a cease-fire for Idlib in northwestern Syria, which was the last major stronghold of the rebels. The agreement averted a government offensive on the area.
However, the United Nations reported attacks by terrorist groups as well as close military exchanges between the Syrian government and Turkish observation posts in Idlib. The fighting has taken a toll on the civilian population.
