The impasse comes amidst recent decisions by global actors to increase arms shipments to both sides of the conflict in Syria. At the United Nations, both Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and human rights chief Navi Pillay said more weapons will only increase Syria’s suffering.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: “There is no shortage of arms in both sides. Just providing arms to either side will not help this process. There is no such military solution in this case.”

U.N. High Commissioner For Human Rights Navi Pillay: “The solution must be political. It will not be military. Outside forces, including some states, are reported to be actively fueling the conflict by providing weapons and ammunition to one side or the other. This emboldens the belligerents.”

In an interview today, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad confirmed he has received the first shipment of an air defense system from Russia. Assad vowed to use it, should Israel launch more air strikes like those earlier this month.