ICRC concerned over rising violence in Aleppo

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Geneva-based humanitarian institution called upon all parties involved in the Syrian crisis to observe international law.

The ICRC said it was “appalled by a sharp escalation of violence in the northern city of Aleppo, where parties have in recent days carried out indiscriminate attacks.”

“The ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent stand ready to deliver relief aid to Aleppo residents, and to local medical facilities, but are unable to do so owing to the lack of necessary support by the parties,” the statement read.

Boris Michel, the head of the ICRC delegation in Syria, said the violence was “unacceptable” and resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties.

He also urged warring parties in Aleppo, situated about 310 kilometers (193 miles) northwest of the capital Damascus, to protect civilians and essential infrastructure, including power plants and medical facilities.

Aleppo Governor Mohammad Wahid Akkad said that some 200 trucks loaded with food, fruits, vegetables and other humanitarian supplies entered the city on Sunday.

Akkad added the city’s oil stations began working on Monday and that many areas were supplied with water.

He stated that the current problem of electricity shortages in Aleppo would be solved in the coming days.

Syria has been gripped by deadly violence since 2011. Over 150,000 people have reportedly been killed and millions displaced due to the violence fueled by Western-backed militants.

According to reports, the Western powers and their regional allies — especially Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey — are supporting the militants operating inside Syria.