UN Sec-Gen Guterres urges end to fighting in Syria

"He unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, including reports of arbitrary killings and acts that fan the flames of sectarian tensions and rob the people of Syria of their opportunity for peace and reconciliation after fourteen years of brutal conflict," he added.

The UN chief has reiterated his call for "an immediate de-escalation of violence and urgent measures to restore calm and facilitate humanitarian access," Dujarric said.

"The Secretary-General further condemns Israel's escalatory airstrikes on Suweida, Daraa and in the centre of Damascus, as well as reports of the Israel Defence Force (IDF)'s redeployment of forces in the Golan."

Guterres also calls for an immediate cessation of all violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and respect for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, his spokesman said.

According to human rights activists, more than 300 people have been killed in days of violence between Druze and Sunni Bedouins in the southern Sweida region since Sunday.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Syrian Interior Ministry said a ceasefire had been agreed, but a Druze leader denied the claim.

--BERNAMA-dpa