Aleppo’s families face ‘a catastrophic situation’: UN

The UN and relief agencies renewed pleas for a “humanitarian pause” in the Syrian city of Aleppo where running water and electricity have been cut off and food and medicine are running dangerously low.

‘Using human lives as bargaining chips’

“What concerns me…is that all parties to conflicts still refuse to undertake and follow international humanitarian law. They’re using human lives as bargaining chips which is completely unacceptable and continuing to target civilian infrastructure which makes it incredibly difficult for humanitarian actors to gain access and for people to get the life-saving services that they need,” says Kevin Dunbar, director of CARE Canada’s humanitarian assistance and emergency team.

‘Grave risk’

Aleppo is Syria’s largest city and former commercial heart and is seen as pivotal in this civil war. Over two million citizens are living in a “de facto fear of besiegement,” says a statement from two UN aid officials. Fighting disabled the power to water pumping facilities and UNICEF says there is a “grave risk” of waterborne diseases.

The warning comes as Syrian activists say government warplanes are bombing opposition-held parts of the city and rival parties are seen to be bringing in reinforcements.

Renewed calls for a political solution

The UN and relief agencies are calling for a political solution to the fighting in Syria, and at least 48-hour suspensions to enable them to repair infrastructure and bring in desperately-needed supplies. Meanwhile Aleppo’s once-bustling streets are empty and families are said to be hiding in their basements.