Suwayda faces severe food, medicine shortages, says ICRC

By Qais al-Abdullah

SUWAYDA, Syria (North Press) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday described the humanitarian situation in Suwayda as “extremely concerning,” citing critical shortages of food, medicine, water, and electricity. Banking services and local markets remain largely paralyzed, according to the ICRC.

Yesterday, UNICEF expressed sorrow over the death of 21-year-old Khuzama al-Ahmad, who reportedly died due to the unavailability of essential medical supplies in the governorate.

ICRC and Red Crescent teams have entered Suwayda to assess conditions and support hospitals. Officials noted that doctors are warning of dwindling medical supplies and that morgues are reaching capacity amid electricity cuts.

Residents in Suwayda are also hosting displaced families, compounding humanitarian challenges. The ICRC indicated that approximately 800,000 people are affected by disruptions to basic services following recent events.

“The primary challenges include safe access to affected areas and limited international support for humanitarian efforts,” the ICRC stated, adding that it is coordinating with all parties to ensure neutral and secure aid delivery.

Relief organizations continue monitoring the situation closely, and aid convoys are expected to expand support to Suwayda hospitals and vulnerable households in the coming days.