Humanitarian access into east Aleppo critical, UN relief agency says

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) underlined the need to get access into the eastern part of Syria's Aleppo city, where fighting is under way, a UN spokesman told reporters here Monday.

Such an access is critical to save lives of innocent civilians, deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq said a daily news briefing.

"Safe, unimpeded, and sustained humanitarian access into east Aleppo city through the most efficient means is critical to save lives and reduce suffering," he said.

OCHA reported that violence continues in Aleppo, with aerial attacks on east Aleppo city and hundreds of mortars and projectiles launched on west Aleppo city in the past week, causing numerous civilian deaths and injuries, Haq said. "Hospitals have also reportedly been affected by the fighting."

"Due to the closure of the Castello road, the last access road into east Aleppo city, humanitarian assistance and commodities cannot get in," he said.

"The freedom of movement of an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 people in east Aleppo in urgent need of assistance is also curtailed."

While there is enough food in east Aleppo city for at least 145,000 people for one month and enough essential medical supplies for approximately four months, replenishing fuel supplies is crucial to power medical facilities, water facilities and bakeries, he said.

"Rationing of supplies has already been reported," Haq said. "Access to fresh food, including fruit and vegetables, is limited, according to reports. One cross-line convoy has been approved by the government of Syria." Endit