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UN chief urges aid, condemns Israel; 90% Syrians in poverty

7/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for support for Syrians and condemned Israel’s actions in Damascus.
He met president Ahmad al-Sharaa and held a news conference with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.
Guterres said the UN recognises the Golan Heights as Syrian territory and called Israeli violations unacceptable.
The UN reported that 90% of Syrians live in poverty, half a million have died, and reconstruction will cost $216 billion after Israel’s airstrikes.

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Story summary

UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for support for Syrians and condemned Israel’s actions in Damascus.
He met president Ahmad al-Sharaa and held a news conference with Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.
Guterres said the UN recognises the Golan Heights as Syrian territory and called Israeli violations unacceptable.
The UN reported that 90% of Syrians live in poverty, half a million have died, and reconstruction will cost $216 billion after Israel’s airstrikes.