UNITED NATIONS, May 6 (Xinhua) -- A series of recent attacks on healthcare facilities -- including hospitals -- in northwestern Syria has left the United Nations extremely concerned, a UN spokesman said on Monday.
The attacks followed a recent escalation of violence and hostilities in and around the demilitarized zone, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
On Sunday, health facilities were reportedly hit by airstrikes in Idlib and Hama governorates, Dujarric said.
"We continue to call on all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians, and in particular to avoid the destruction of hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law," he told a regular briefing.
Since April 28, at least seven facilities reportedly have been struck -- four in Hama and three in Idlib, the spokesman said.
