Story perspectives

UN chief Guterres urges Syrian rights, cites $216 B rebuild cost

7/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

António Guterres began a Damascus visit on July 25 2026, meeting interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa and foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani.
He said the UN recognizes that the Golan Heights belong to Syria, calling Israeli violations unacceptable.
The UN reports 1.9 million displaced Syrians, 1.7 million returning refugees, 5.5 million internally displaced, six million abroad, and 15.6 million needing aid.
The World Bank estimates rebuilding Syria will cost $216 billion, with 90 % of the population in poverty.

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Story summary

António Guterres began a Damascus visit on July 25 2026, meeting interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa and foreign minister Asaad al-Shibani.
He said the UN recognizes that the Golan Heights belong to Syria, calling Israeli violations unacceptable.
The UN reports 1.9 million displaced Syrians, 1.7 million returning refugees, 5.5 million internally displaced, six million abroad, and 15.6 million needing aid.
The World Bank estimates rebuilding Syria will cost $216 billion, with 90 % of the population in poverty.