UN Reports Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in Syria
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United Nations, Dec 11 (NationPress) UN humanitarians have indicated that the humanitarian crisis in Syria is still unstable, with ongoing conflicts and looting observed in the capital Damascus region, while a sense of calm prevails in the northwestern part of the country.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted that there are significant hurdles for aid distribution in certain areas of the northeast, as reported by Xinhua.
OCHA stated, "Airstrikes and other conflicts continue to be reported in Damascus, rural areas of Damascus, Daraa, and As-Sweida." Additionally, it mentioned that there have been reports of looting at aid warehouses belonging to UN agencies and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
UN agencies and their partners are working to determine the extent of the reported looting.
A curfew has been imposed in Damascus and its surrounding areas, as well as in Latakia and Tartous, from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time. OCHA noted, "While essential public services are gradually resuming, movement limitations, including curfews, are impeding the flow of goods and services."
Reports from areas experiencing relative calm indicate that displaced individuals who fled from hostilities in the past fortnight are beginning to return home.
According to OCHA, "All 11 reception centers established in Idlib for newly displaced families were empty as of yesterday (Monday)," while partners in the northeast report ongoing arrivals at displaced sites.
The United Nations and its partners continue their aid operations as the security situation allows. OCHA confirmed that cross-border operations from Turkey are proceeding without any disruptions.
OCHA stated, "Our humanitarian colleagues report that 25 trucks carrying UN aid have crossed into northwest Syria." This includes nine trucks with over 200 tons of food crossing through Bab Al-Salam, and 16 trucks entering through Bab Al-Hawa.
UN partners have also dispatched 16 mobile medical teams to assist in underserved areas and displacement camps. The UN Population Fund and the World Health Organization have reported distributing health, surgical, and trauma kits to support hospitals.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has noted a sharp increase in food prices across various markets in the country. Over the last two weeks, more than 20 partners have delivered food to over 590,000 individuals in northwest Syria.
WFP and its partners have provided meals to more than 40,000 people in regions including Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Latakia, Deir El Zor, Raqqa, and Hasaka.
The UN Refugee Agency has distributed cash support for winter assistance to over 6,000 households in Idlib and northern Aleppo, along with transporting 1,500 essential relief item kits to Idlib while collaborating with partners.
