UN observers in Homs, May 4, 2012 (Creative Commons).

The U.N. said Saturday that its 300 observers based in Syria were suspending their missions due to the increasing violence over the previous 10 days in the country, the Associated Press reported. 

“The parties must reconsider their position and allow women, children, the elderly and the injured to leave conflict zones without any preconditions and ensure their safety,” Maj. Gen. Robert Mood said in a statement. “This requires willingness on both sides to respect and protect the human life of the Syrian people.”

Mood said that attempts to evacuate civilians from Homs - a city that has been besieged by government forces - were unsuccessful this past week.

Syrian activists have criticized the suspension of observer missions, BBC News reported, with the opposing Syrian National Council warning of a looming massacre in Homs, which it says has 30,000 troops and pro-regime militiamen. 

The activist group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least eight soldiers were killed in a rebel attack and about 30 Syrian civilians and rebels were killed in Syria Sunday. 

The head of the activist group, Rami Abdul-Rahman, told the AP that the humanitarian situation in Homs is very difficult, and that “it is very clear that the army wants to retake Homs.”

The Observatory said that more than 3,400 soldiers and militiamen loyal to the Syrian government have been killed since the uprising against President Bashar Assad began in March 2011, the AP reported. Opposition groups said more than 14,000 civilians and rebels have also been killed.

Read more of Neon Tommy's coverage on Syria here:

U.N. Halts Observer Mission In Syria Due To Escalating Violence

Syrian Conflict Continues To Increase Tension Between World Powers

Syrian Americans On Both Sides Protest In L.A.

Violence In Syria At Worst Levels Yet

Reach Executive Producer Agnus Dei Farrant here.