UN warns eastern Aleppo may be besieged by Syrian regime

The Syrian government has refused a UN request for humanitarian aid access to rebel-held eastern Aleppo, the UN says, warning that the area could soon be besieged.

“The horrific fighting and bombardment in recent days, especially in and around Aleppo, is creating new areas with endless suffering and no access for humanitarians,” says Jan Egeland, who heads an international humanitarian taskforce for the war-ravaged country.

Syrian security forces evacuate medical staff after rockets reportedly fired by rebels hit Al-Dabbeet hospital the in government-controlled neighbourhood of Muhafaza in the northern city of Aleppo on May 3, 2016. (AFP/GEORGE OURFALIAN)
Syrian security forces evacuate medical staff after rockets reportedly fired by rebels hit Al-Dabbeet hospital the in government-controlled neighbourhood of Muhafaza in the northern city of Aleppo on May 3, 2016. (AFP/George Ourfalian)

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the taskforce created in February by the 17-nation International Syria Support Group, he says the situation in Aleppo needed to change immediately.

“If not, eastern Aleppo may even become a besieged area,” he warns.

Syria’s second city has over nearly two weeks been hit by a wave of violence, including numerous attacks on hospitals and other medical facilities, that has killed more than 270 people.

— AFP

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.