Secretary-General, Gravely Concerned over Reported Israeli Air Strikes in Syria,

Calls on All Sides to Prevent Escalation of ‘Already Highly Dangerous Conflict’

The following statement was issued on 5 May by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General expresses grave concern over reports of air strikes in Syria by the Israeli Air Force.  At this time, the United Nations does not have details of the reported incidents.  Nor is the United Nations in a position to independently verify what has occurred.

The Secretary-General calls on all sides to exercise maximum calm and restraint, and to act with a sense of responsibility to prevent an escalation of what is already a devastating and highly dangerous conflict.

The Secretary-General urges respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region, and adherence to all relevant Security Council resolutions.

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For information media • not an official record