UNITED NATIONS special envoy for Syria Geir Pederson expressed concern yesterday over increased hostilities in the south of the country, describing shortages of essential goods faced by civilians as “alarming.”

The Norwegian diplomat appealed for an immediate end to violence during a virtual meeting of the International Syria Support Group's humanitarian task force and for humanitarian access to all affected areas.

“Increased hostilities, which have included heavy shelling and intensified ground clashes, have resulted in civilian casualties as well as damage to civilian infrastructures," his office said in a statement.