Renewed hostilities in Aleppo trigger displacement, civilian casualties – OCHA
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Wednesday that it continues, along with its humanitarian partners, to coordinate closely with Syrian authorities while monitoring developments in the city of Aleppo, northwestern Syria.
OCHA said that recent hostilities in Aleppo led to the shelling of several residential neighborhoods, triggering a new wave of displacement. According to the Syrian Ministry of Health of the Syrian transitional government, the attacks resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to others.
In response to the escalation, the United Nations Office said that the World Health Organization has dispatched emergency medical supplies to local health authorities.
OCHA stressed that humanitarian needs remain severe across Syria, with 16.5 million people, nearly two-thirds of the population, still requiring assistance.
The office also warned that explosive remnants of war continue to pose a serious threat to civilians, noting that in November alone, 21 people were killed and more than 60 injured by unexploded ordnance, half of whom were children.
Additionally, OCHA highlighted the ongoing education crisis, stating that 2.5 million children remain out of school and that 40 percent of schools across the country are currently non-operational.