The Head of the UN Observers Mission in Syria says the escalating violence there is limiting the Mission's ability to operate. But General Robert Mood said the UN-backed peace plan could still help find a peaceful solution.

According to a report, Major General Mood said that the UN Observers Mission felt frustrated but it had not yet given up hope. He admitted that the upsurge in violence over the past ten days had limited the 300 or so Monitors' ability to observe, verify and report on what was going on and to help foster a dialogue and stability. 

General Mood did not blame either side specifically for the escalation but he said there was a lack of will to seek a peaceful transition and instead a push towards seeking military gains with civilians trapped and suffering as a consequence.