United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres visited the first UN troops deployed in the Syria‑Israel buffer zone on 25 June 2024, marking his first visit to the region since before the Syrian civil war. He called for global support to rebuild a war‑torn country, urging the international community to step up aid and assistance for Syria’s reconstruction.
During the visit, Guterres addressed UN forces in the buffer zone and highlighted the need for a coordinated international effort to provide humanitarian and infrastructure aid to Syria after years of conflict. He also underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability between Syria and Israel, a region that has been tense for decades.
The chief’s trip signals a renewed UN focus on Syria amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East. It comes after reports of heightened tensions and cease‑fire talks between U.S. and Iranian forces and U.S. diplomatic activities in neighboring Ukraine, as noted by The Times of Israel.