Head of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) Lt. Gen. Babacar Gaye said he is extremely alerted by the incessant violence in Syria, particularly in the northern Aleppo province.

In a brief statement released on Monday, Gaye said the situation in Aleppo has deteriorated to an extreme level, urging all parties to protect the civilians and honor the commitments of the international humanitarian law.

He said the civilians shouldn't be exposed to the shelling or heavy weapons.

Gaye, leading the extended mandate of the UNSMIS, urged all parties to take the necessary steps to embark on a dialogue as the sole way to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and end the conflict.

The UNSMIS concern has been expressed at a time when the intensity of the clashes in Aleppo is on the rise as the government troops and the armed rebels are fighting their fateful battle.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2012)