GENEVA - Syria is facing its highest levels of humanitarian need in 13 years of crisis, as the situation continues to deteriorate.

Displacement, economic decline, ongoing hostilities and last year's earthquakes have exacerbated people's needs.

Escalating hostilities in Deir-ez-Zor in eastern Syria is impacting civilians and the infrastructure they rely on, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said, expressing deep concern over the situation.

At least 20 civilians were reportedly killed, and 15 others injured, in recent days, while water stations and other civilian facilities were reportedly damaged or affected, including a UN-supported centre on rural livelihoods.

The fighting has also resulted in power cuts that affected hospitals and water stations.

People living in Deir-ez-Zor continue to experience severe water and fuel shortages, very limited access to healthcare facilities and food insecurity.

OCHA urged warring parties to respect international humanitarian law, including taking constant care to spare civilians and civilian infrastructure in the course of military operations.

The latest escalation comes as Syria faces record levels of need following 13 years of war, with more than 16 million people requiring assistance this year, amid critical shortfalls in funding.

A $4 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for the country has received $962 million so far, or less than 25 per cent.