The Vatican’s representative in Damascus, Cardinal Mario Zenari, has appealed to the international community not to forget the suffering people in Syria.

In an interview with the Vatican Newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, the nuncio said there was a growing health emergency and food shortages in the country.

He said the continuing violence means that people live in a constant climate of fear, with many family choosing not to leave their homes or send their children to school.

The government in Damascus said on Tuesday, February 13, that Israel would face "more surprises" if it attacks Syria's territory.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres has called for an immediate de-escalation of violence as civilians continue to suffer.

He warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis as the country is witnessing a particularly brutal phase of the conflict.