All news

Red Cross to continue humanitarian operations in Aleppo — spokesperson

The spokesperson says fighting has intensified in Aleppo in the past few weeks

GENEVA, December 6. /TASS/. The International Committee of the Red Cross intends to continue humanitarian activity in Syria’s Aleppo in spite of an extremely difficult situation, Red Cross spokeswoman Anastasia Isyuk told TASS on Tuesday.

"The ICRC remains committed to stay on the ground despite the challenges and do everything we can to reach civilians in all parts of the city," she said in comments on media reports saying ICRC humanitarian operations in the city were allegedly practically impossible.

"Since the very beginning of the latest escalation of fighting and the new way of displacement, the ICRC together with SARC has been responding on the spot with food, blankets, mattresses, household essentials and medical care, in addition to providing fresh water, improving shelter for displaced and installing sanitation facilities. This work continues," she went on.

Focusing on the situation in the city, Anastasia Isyuk said fighting has intensified in Aleppo in the past few weeks. "Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes: more than 30,000 fled towards the West of the city, while countless others escaped elsewhere," she said.

"In the chaos of the violence, most leave behind almost everything, and take huge risks amidst the shelling, explosions and sniper fire to reach safety. They are arriving in shelters in a state of shock, exhausted, and in need of everything," the spokeswoman said. "The situation is made worse for all as winter takes hold and temperatures drop," she emphasized.