UNITED NATIONS, June 21 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday made an urgent appeal to all conflicting parties in Syria to "do everything in their power" to protect civilians.
Syria's northern city of Raqqa is under intensified coalition air strikes as U.S.-backed forces are fighting to capture the stronghold of Islamic State. Reports said at least 300 civilians have been killed since March due to the continued conflict.
In a statement, Guterres said he is alarmed at the sufferings across Syria with civilians being killed, injured or displaced, and hospitals and schools being targeted.
"The United Nations and humanitarian partners are doing all they can to stem the suffering in Raqqa and across Syria, often at great personal risk," the UN chief said.
"It is also critical for all parties to facilitate improved humanitarian access to allow aid to reach those in urgent need of life-saving assistance without delay," he added.
