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The United Nations has criticized the continued violence following the devastating earthquakes in Syria and has called for an end to all hostilities.

“Nevertheless, we are now investigating new attacks, even in the areas devastated by the earthquakes”said UN expert Paulo Pinheiro in Geneva on Monday. He also criticized Israeli airstrikes on Syria. Arbitrary detentions, torture and kidnappings by the government and militias would also continue to be investigated. The experts also investigated reports that the militia Haiat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) used firing squads to execute people.

According to the UN, the temporary closure of Aleppo airport a week ago following an Israeli attack was “quite critical” for humanitarian aid. “Nor do these kinds of actions do anything to protect the well-being and interests of citizens after this horrific event.”, said UN expert Lynn Welchman. Israel regularly bombs targets in neighboring Syria to prevent its nemesis Iran from using allied militias to expand its military influence there. Iran is a key ally of the Syrian government.

Bombing other sides in the conflict doesn’t help either, Welchman said. In its fight against Kurdish militias, Turkey had also attacked earthquake-hit regions in northwestern Syria.

The experts, who investigate violations of international law in Syria for the United Nations, also criticized the slow relief after the earthquake. Syrians felt abandoned and neglected by those who were supposed to protect them in times of need. The international community, the Syrian government and other parties to the conflict had failed.

After the disaster, aid was slow to arrive. Humanitarian aid continues to face many hurdles as Syria is divided into different areas controlled by different powers. (saw/sda/dpa)