The British government has announced it will provide humanitarian aid to more than 85,000 Syrians affected by the recent events in Suwayda, southern Syria.
In a statement received by Enab Baladi on Tuesday, August 5, the government explained that a package of medical and humanitarian assistance will be sent to support those displaced from their homes. The aid will be distributed across the governorates of Suwayda, Daraa, and Damascus Suburbs.
The aid package includes deploying mobile medical teams to provide urgent healthcare to those in need, including displaced persons; delivering medicines and trauma treatment supplies to healthcare facilities; and providing essential support for pregnant women and new mothers. The assistance will also include food, clean water, hygiene services, and sanitation.
The British government noted that the total value of the aid package is £1.7 million (approximately $2.256 billion, which will be delivered through the United Kingdom’s partnerships with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Medical Corps (IMC), and local Syrian organizations working with the Aid for Syria Fund (AFS).
It also emphasized that strict procedures are in place to ensure the humanitarian aid reaches those most in need, reaffirming its commitment to regional and global security.
UK Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, said that the “horrific violence” in Suwayda has left people without food, water, fuel, or medical care, forcing many to flee their homes.
Falconer described the humanitarian situation as catastrophic, stressing the importance of maintaining access for humanitarian assistance to ensure it reaches those in urgent need.
He explained that this British aid package will provide healthcare, medicines, food, and clean water to people displaced by the recent violence.
In remarks delivered at the United Nations regarding Syria, Falconer stated that the UK continues to call for a sustainable ceasefire in southern Syria and for those responsible for the recent violence to be held accountable.
He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting a political transition that is inclusive and representative, and that protects the rights of all Syrians.
The United Kingdom has officially restored its diplomatic ties with Syria following a visit by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Damascus, where he met with the transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani on July 5.
The visit marked the official resumption of diplomatic relations between the UK and the Syrian government following the fall of the previous regime.
The British Foreign Office in Syria, via its account on X, stated that the UK will support Syria with £94.5 million (around $129 million) for recovery, education, and humanitarian aid, in addition to £2 million (around $2.7 million) for the elimination of chemical weapons.
Humanitarian convoys continue to reach Suwayda governorate through the Bosra al-Sham humanitarian corridor in eastern Daraa. The most recent was a joint convoy provided by UN agencies.
The joint convoy consisted of 40 trucks loaded with humanitarian supplies, including food, medical supplies, fuel, hygiene materials, and shelter items, along with equipment to support health facilities, bakeries, and critical infrastructure in the governorate.
The UK’s aid announcement follows the recent escalation in Suwayda.
The bloody events began with mutual kidnappings between local factions in Suwayda loyal to Druze spiritual leader Hikmat al-Hijri and Bedouin tribes.
On July 14, forces from the Ministries of Interior and Defense entered to quell the conflict but were met with resistance from the factions after reports of violations committed by government forces.
Israel intervened in the conflict, prompting the withdrawal of government forces and the handover of the security file to local factions, who in turn committed violations against Bedouin families.
According to the latest statistics from the Syrian Network for Human Rights, at least 814 Syrians have been killed in Suwayda governorate since the onset of tensions on July 13, including 34 women, 20 children, six medical personnel, and two media workers.
Clashes reignited on August 3 between Syrian General Security Forces and tribal fighters on one side, and local factions in Suwayda on the other, around Tel al-Hadid, near al-Thaala town in the western countryside of the governorate.
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