European Parliament Condemns Violence in Northeast Syria, Calls for Ceasefire and Political Transition

AFP

European parliament.

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning violence by the Syrian Interim Government against civilians in north-eastern Syria (Rojava), warning of a sharp deterioration in the humanitarian and security situation and calling for an immediate, sustainable ceasefire alongside an inclusive political transition based on respect for human rights.

During its plenary session in Strasbourg on Thursday, 12 February 2026, MPs expressed concern over the recent military escalation in Aleppo, Raqqa, Hasakah and Deir ez-Zor. The resolution referred to the offensive launched by Syrian Interim Government forces on 6 January 2026 and the subsequent expansion of operations, which led to civilian deaths, the displacement of approximately 148,000 people, and extensive damage to essential infrastructure.

The fighting has resulted in dozens of civilian casualties and left hundreds of thousands without access to electricity, water or healthcare. Around 250,000 people in the city of Kobani alone face severe humanitarian risks. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that more than 170,000 people have been internally displaced in the affected areas.

The Parliament condemned documented violations of international humanitarian law, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, desecration of bodies and graves, and obstruction of humanitarian access. It called for swift and independent investigations and urged the Syrian Interim Government to grant full and transparent access to UN mechanisms, including the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria.

MPs welcomed the agreement announced on 30 January 2026 between the Syrian Interim Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), describing it as an important step towards consolidating the ceasefire and safeguarding the civil and educational rights of Kurds. They urged all parties to adhere to the agreement and prevent further escalation.

On the regional dimension, the resolution called on all actors, including Türkiye, to refrain from military action or support for armed groups that could undermine the ceasefire or endanger civilians. It condemned Türkiye‘s continued military intervention in north-eastern Syria and attacks on civilians and infrastructure.

The Parliament also expressed grave concern over the fate of ISIS detainees, warning of the security risks posed by the escape of hundreds during the recent fighting and the transfer of the issue to third countries without sustainable solutions. It stressed that the presence of EU citizens among the detainees places a direct responsibility on member states to repatriate and prosecute them in line with international standards, particularly women and children held in the al-Hol and Roj camps.

MPs reaffirmed the crucial role played by Kurdish forces, including female fighters, in the fight against ISIS, commending their sacrifices and calling for full recognition of Kurdish rights, guaranteed political participation, and the protection of women’s rights.

The resolution underlined that any European support for reconstruction or stabilisation in Syria must remain conditional on tangible and verifiable progress in protecting civilians, respecting human rights and upholding the ceasefire. It noted that the European Union remains one of the largest humanitarian donors to the Syrian people and pledged to continue its conditional support for a peaceful and inclusive transition.

In its concluding remarks, the Parliament called on the European External Action Service and EU member states to intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, protect civilians, build confidence and support a Syrian-led political process that preserves the country’s territorial integrity and ensures lasting peace and stability.


PUKMEDIA