UN Reports Over 1.1 Million Syrians Displaced Due to Recent Conflict Escalation
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United Nations, Dec 12 (NationPress) More than 1.1 million individuals have been displaced across Syria since the recent outbreak of violence two weeks ago, amid alarming reports of food and fuel shortages, as noted by UN humanitarian officials.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has stated that the United Nations and its partners are persisting with humanitarian efforts as the security scenario permits, with certain partners functioning at a limited capacity in cities like Damascus, Tartous, Latakia, and Raqqa. The global organization is keeping a vigilant watch on the evolving situation.
In the northwest region of Syria, the shortage of flour and fuel has led to the closure of bakeries in Aleppo, according to the office. Availability of vegetables is restricted, and some neighborhoods are experiencing power outages. Fuel prices continue to be exorbitantly high, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
OCHA further reported that ongoing hostilities near Tishreen Dam in the Aleppo governorate have prolonged electricity outages since Tuesday, impacting over 400,000 individuals in areas such as Menbij and Kobani, hindering access to water and other essential services.
Despite these challenges, the United Nations and its partners have managed to provide food assistance to over 700,000 people in northwest Syria since the intensification of hostilities, as security conditions allowed.
In the northeast, however, OCHA indicates that humanitarian access and delivery face significant hurdles. Checkpoints are limiting movement in cities such as Raqqa, Tabqa, Hassakeh, and Derik, where incidents of looting have been reported. Approximately 40,000 displaced individuals are currently residing in around 200 collective centers.
Humanitarian organizations are actively distributing food, hygiene kits, cash assistance, and psychosocial support to both children and adults in need.
On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his deep concern regarding the recent serious violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging all parties to work towards de-escalating violence throughout the nation, as stated by his spokesperson.
According to Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN chief, "The Secretary-General is particularly alarmed by the hundreds of Israeli airstrikes on various locations in Syria, emphasizing the pressing necessity to de-escalate violence across all fronts within the country," during a daily press briefing.
