Suffering in Syria's Eastern Ghouta reaches "critical point": ICRC

GENEVA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Monday it is alarmed by intensifying fighting in Eastern Ghouta, on the outskirts of Damascus, which it said, "is taking an unacceptable toll on everyday life in the area."

In a statement, ICRC said several neighborhoods of the city of Damascus continue to be affected by hostilities.

"Scores of civilians have been killed or injured since the latest spike in hostilities began on Nov. 14, with many civilian objects and houses being affected. Under international humanitarian law, these places must be spared during fighting," said the ICRC.

ICRC's Middle East director Robert Mardini said: "The humanitarian situation in Eastern Ghouta has reached a critical point."

He added cold weather threatens to further deteriorate the situation. With almost no fuel available, people have very little access to proper heating, further risking their health.

Mardini said the civilian population in Eastern Ghouta is also facing a "frightening food shortage" and a huge increase in food prices.

"All warring parties must reach a solution that puts civilians first and allows humanitarian aid to reach the population on a regular basis. No military or political gains could justify this amount of suffering, whether in Eastern Ghouta or elsewhere in Syria," said the ICRC official. Enditem