Live updates from Syria and the wider region for 9 Dec

Aftermath of shelling in Aleppo, Syria. (file) © UNOCHA-Ali Haj Suleiman

9 December 2024 - The historic power shift in Syria adds new layers of complexity to the Middle East crisis, with ongoing hostilities in Gaza, violence in the West Bank, and a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon. Millions across the region continue to rely on humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, in New York, the Security Council is set to meet behind closed doors to discuss developments in Syria. UN News app users can follow here.

Aftermath of shelling in Aleppo, Syria. (file) © UNOCHA-Ali Haj Suleiman

Some highlights from Dec 9:

Top UN officials have emphasized the importance of an inclusive, nationally owned political process in Syria to build a future rooted in human rights, freedom, and justice, following the recent historic shift in power.

In Lebanon, the UN peacekeeping mission (UNIFIL) reported strikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on alleged Hezbollah targets, with fatalities reported on both sides.

Humanitarian efforts in Lebanon remain focused on aiding displaced people, including those returning to their communities, while monitoring ongoing movements and providing essential support.

Meanwhile in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes and shelling continue to be reported in North Gaza, amid worries that 945,000 people are at risk of exposure to winter rain and cold.

UN mission reports Israeli strikes along Lebanon-Syria border

In southern Lebanon, UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported strikes by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) against Hezbullah targets over the weekend, resulting in fatalities on both sides with reports of IDF strikes along the Lebanon-Syria border.

Highlights from the UN Spokesperson’s news briefing

Syria:

Over 16 million people in Syria need humanitarian aid, with recent displacement of one million people, mostly women and children, from Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Idleb.

Transportation disruptions and reports of looting of civilian properties and humanitarian supplies are hampering aid delivery.

Health facilities are overwhelmed, with critical shortages of staff, medicine and supplies; health partners are deploying trauma care and mobile clinics.

Despite challenges, UN agencies and humanitarian partners in northwest Syria have resumed operations, supported by cross-border deliveries from Türkiye.

The $4 billion Humanitarian Response Plan is only 30 per cent funded, with growing needs as winter approaches.

Lebanon:

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported strikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on alleged Hezbollah targets, with fatalities reported on both sides.

A new monitoring mechanism under the cessation of hostilities met for the first time, supported by the UN within the mandate of Security Council resolution 1701.

The humanitarian focus is on aiding displaced people returning home and those still on the move, with concerns over health risks from damaged water and sanitation infrastructure.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) warns of overwhelming health needs, including vaccination shortages and urgent surgeries for traumatic injuries.

Gaza:

In North Gaza, intense bombardment near the major Kamal Adwan Hospital forced the evacuation of staff and patients.

Severe access constraints in the region prevent aid missions, while civilians face critical shortages of food and water.

In Khan Younis, 80,000 returnees live in damaged homes or shelters, with significant water shortages and the threat of collapses during winter.

UN agencies, alongside humanitarian partners are mobilizing assistance despite critical supply shortages in affected areas.

Security Council closed meeting on Syria

Meanwhile in New York, the UN Security Council is set to meet at 3 PM behind closed doors to discuss the latest situation in Syria as well as implications for the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

UNDOF was established by Security Council in May 1974. Its mandate, among other points includes, maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Syria; supervising the disengagement of Israeli and Syrian forces; and supervising the areas of separation and limitation, as provided in the May 1974 Agreement on Disengagement.

Read more about the Mission's mandate and activities at undof.unmissions.org

Syria: Situation ‘very fluid’, as millions remain dependent on humanitarian assistance

More than 16 million people already require humanitarian assistance in Syria, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric has said, highlighting the urgent need for more food, shelter and sanitation facilities.

In addition, between 28 November and 8 December, about one million more – mostly women and children – have been displaced.

“It is important to note that the situation is very fluid, with reports of more people returning in last couple of days. Transport routes have been disrupted, limiting movements of people and goods, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid.”

Gaza: 945,000 at risk of exposure to winter rain, cold and Israeli airstrikes

To Gaza, where the enclave’s many displaced people still need protection from the rain and cold, as temperatures drop amid ongoing fighting, UN aid teams have warned.

According to UNRWA, only around 23 per cent of protection needs have been met; meaning that a total of 945,000 people remain at risk from exposure this winter.

In the central Gazan city of Deir al-Balah “and across Gaza, people search through the rubble of their destroyed homes, trying to salvage what little remains after an Israeli airstrike”, UNWRA said in an online post on Sunday.

Latest data from the Gazan authorities indicates that well over 43,000 people have been killed there since war erupted, sparked by Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel 14 months ago, that left 1,200 dead and around 250 taken hostage. 

To date, more than 102,000 people have been injured in Gaza, 70,000 homes have been destroyed and 1.9 million people have been displaced in total, the enclave’s authorities report. - UN News