The recent capture of Aleppo by rebel forces has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, affecting thousands of civilians. For the fifth consecutive day, hostilities continue in northwestern Syria, particularly in Aleppo, Hama, and Idlib.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (@un_ocha) reports that essential services have largely ceased in Aleppo: the Suliman Al Halabi water station remains inoperable, hospitals are at capacity, and bread distribution is hindered by safety concerns. Damage to Aleppo University Hospital and disruptions at the Ibn Khaldoun Mental Health Hospital have exacerbated health challenges, leaving hundreds without care.
Displacement is widespread, with thousands fleeing Aleppo and Idlib to neighboring regions like Homs, Hama, and Rural Damascus, where shelters are already overburdened. Many internally displaced persons are living in open spaces, exposed to harsh conditions. The disruption of bakeries and limited access to food have compounded the challenges for those remaining in conflict zones. Humanitarian organizations, including the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (@syredcrescent), are providing limited assistance amid logistical and safety challenges.
Coordination efforts by OCHA and partners aim to track movements and prioritize response strategies. Immediate actions, such as removing unburied bodies, resuming water supply, and safeguarding civilians, remain critical. Daily inter-agency meetings are ongoing to address the evolving crisis.