UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen strongly condemned on Wednesday the escalation of Israeli occupation forces' airstrikes on Syrian territory, demanding an immediate halt to all violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement issued from Geneva, Pedersen called on the occupying forces to refrain from any unilateral actions that could exacerbate the conflict, stressing the need to respect international law and stop repeated violations of Syrian sovereignty.

The Special Envoy expressed deep concern over the surge of violence in As-Suwayda Governorate, which has resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties, deaths among provisional authority forces and local armed groups, as well as injuries and large-scale displacement.

In this context, Pedersen urged Syria's transitional authorities to conduct transparent investigations and hold perpetrators of violations accountable, emphasizing that accountability is fundamental to ensuring justice and protecting civilians.

He stressed the need to continue building foundations for political consensus among various Syrian parties to strengthen Syria's unity and protect its diversity, calling on all sides to refrain from any steps that could undermine the political process.

Pedersen reaffirmed the importance of launching a credible, organized, and inclusive political transition based on the principles of independence, sovereignty, and Syrian territorial integrity, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015).

He noted that he has activated all available communication channels to address the deteriorating situation, adding that his team continues its on-the-ground work in Damascus by engaging with various stakeholders.

The Special Envoy also reiterated the UN Secretary-General's call for transitional authorities and relevant local actors to implement an immediate de-escalation, protect civilians, restore calm, return to constructive dialogue, and prevent any incitement or further escalation.

Concluding his statement, Pedersen expressed hope that ongoing efforts would lead to an effective ceasefire involving all parties, establishing lasting and stable calm on the ground.