UNITED NATIONS, March 15 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday asked warring parties in Syria to uphold the cease-fire arrangement in the country's northwestern city of Idlib.

"I am extremely concerned about reported increased military operations in the last few weeks," Guterres said in a statement. "Counter-terrorism operations cannot override responsibilities to protect civilians. A cease-fire in Idlib is a necessary step to pave the way for a nationwide cease-fire."

Innocent civilians, the majority of them women and children, have paid the highest price in this conflict because of the blatant disregard for international humanitarian and human rights laws, he said.

Strengthened international support is urgently required if the parties to the conflict move toward finding a political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians, said the UN chief.

"It is a moral obligation and a political imperative for the international community to support Syrians to unite around a vision for their common future that protects civilians, alleviates suffering, prevents further instability, addresses the root causes of the conflict and forges, at long last, a credible negotiated solution," said Guterres.

Idlib has been in a state of lawlessness and the humanitarian situation across the country remains dire. Around 11.7 million people are in need of protection and assistance, according to UN statistics.