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UN "appalled" by escalation in battles in Aleppo

Xinhua, November 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

The United Nations said it was "extremely appalled" by the escalation in fighting in Syria, particularly in Aleppo, according to a statement sent to Xinhua on Saturday.

The statement recounted instances of intensified violence, such as the raging conflict in the northern city of Aleppo, and the mortar shelling that targeted several residential areas in the capital Damascus.

It said such attacks targeted civilians and infrastructures, calling on all warring parties to cease "indiscriminate attacks."

In recent days, the targets included hospitals in the rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo, and the university in the government-controlled parts west of Aleppo, according to the statement.

The government-imposed siege on Aleppo and the rebels' grip in that region have also made civilians in dire need for humanitarian assistance, the statement said, adding that the UN is ready to assist the civilians there once granted access by all parties in accordance to a plan put forward by the UN.

"The UN has shared with all parties to the conflict in Aleppo and member states concerned a detailed humanitarian plan to provide urgently needed assistance to the inhabitants of east Aleppo, and conduct medical evacuations for the ill and injured," according to the statement.

It highlighted the need for all parties to accept the plan and accept to provide safe access to the affected people in eastern Aleppo.

This came as the UN special envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, is expected to arrive in Syria on Sunday morning to discuss the humanitarian plan with the Syrian side.

Also, Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem is also scheduled to hold a press conference after his meeting with Mistura, apparently to give the Syrian government opinion regarding the situation in Aleppo.

For months, the Syrian government and Russia have been urging rebels to leave Aleppo, offering them safe passages to other rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib.

The rebels, however, turned down all offers, which has resulted in intensified violence. Endit