Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus, SANA – Syria condemned the denial of entry to a humanitarian convoy carrying medical supplies and essential humanitarian aid to Sweida province on Sunday, warning of serious security repercussions, including the ability to create appropriate conditions for the continuation of humanitarian work and the provision of basic needs to the civilian population.
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stated in a statement that since the early hours of Wednesday, with the escalation of tension and violence in Sweida province and the tragic events that followed as a result of the Israeli aggression on Syrian territory, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Ministries of Emergencies, Disasters, Health, and Social Affairs, and the governors of Daraa and Sweida, began the necessary preparations to move a humanitarian convoy as soon as the appropriate security conditions are in place.
The ministry stated that despite repeated attempts since last Wednesday, the convoy organized by the Syrian government was prevented from entering Sweida province. And today, outlawed armed militias affiliated with Hikmat al-Hajri prevented the convoy from entering again. The convoy was accompanied by a government delegation of three ministers and a governor.
The ministry added that the outlawed armed militias allowed only a limited number of Syrian Arab Red Crescent vehicles to cross. The ministry explained that the convoy was carrying medical supplies and essential humanitarian aid, with support from international and local organizations. The Ministry of Health also sent 20 ambulances as part of the emergency response, but these were also prevented from entering, pending safe and unhindered passage.
In parallel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs worked with relevant authorities to secure the evacuation of a number of humanitarian and international organization employees and workers present in Sweida province, ensuring their safety.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed that it, in cooperation with all partners, has made every possible effort to raise the level of preparedness, ensure the availability of required supplies in warehouses, and ensure the readiness of humanitarian convoys to depart as soon as appropriate conditions permit.
The Ministry indicated that the deterioration of the security situation is a direct result of the blatant Israeli intervention and the subsequent withdrawal of Syrian security forces, which has led to a loss of the ability to establish order and stability in the region, including the ability to create appropriate conditions for the continuation of humanitarian work and the provision of basic needs to the civilian population.
The Ministry expressed its deep concern over the continued disappearance of the head of the Civil Defense Center in Sweida province, who was kidnapped four days ago by outlawed armed militias. His fate and well-being remain unknown.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stressed that its efforts will not cease and will continue to closely monitor developments, in coordination with local and international partners, until all necessary aid is delivered to the people of Sweida and the safe return of all residents and displaced persons to their homes is ensured.
Fedaa
