Red Cross Reaches War-Torn Syrian Towns, Brings Loads of Food and Aid to 40,000 Victims
After resorting to boiling soup made of grass and eating pet cats, the war-torn Syrian refugees will finally receive much needed food and other supplies.
A handful of trucks containing essential goods had been organized and was made possible by the International Committee of Red Cross, the Syrian Red Crescent group and the United Nations.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the aid was planned to avoid an impending humanitarian disaster, as said by aid officials concerning the matter. The supplies will arrive at three besieged Syrian Towns namely Madaya, Fuaa and Kefraya.
As reported, at least 50 people already died due to starvation and malnutrition, in addition to lack of medical care in these war-stricken towns. The assistance to Madaya helped eased out the negotiations to reach Fuaa and Kefraya -- two pro-government towns located in the Idlib province.
The supply trucks contained basic necessities such as food and water, but also contained other supplies such as infant formula, blankets, medicine and surgical equipment. It was noted that these supplies are enough to feed about 60,000 people for the whole month -- 40,000 for Madaya and 10,000 each to Fuaa and Kefraya.
And to ensure proper distribution, the supplies will be stored in warehouses around the area, where they will be dispersed by the local council.
Marianne Gasser, head of the Red Cross operation in Syria said, "The operation has started. It is likely to last a few days. This is a very positive development. But it must not be just a one-off distribution." She added that to really relieve the suffering of the Syrian people, regular access to these areas must be done.
USA Today reported that a spokesperson from the United Nations also added that a one-time convoy will not solve this problem. Adding that apart from the trio of towns reached by the Red Cross and UN, an estimated 4.6 million Syrians are also experiencing lack of proper nutrition and medical aid.
International aid agencies called for all parties in the conflict to end the siege, particularly in civilian areas to ensure regular access to humanitarian supplies, Telegraph has learned.
For five years now, the Syrian conflict made the once thriving resort town of Madaya into a shadow of its former self. The town has been the frequent target of the Syrian army and its ally, the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah. The attacks were done as an attempt to drive out the rebels that came from Damascus.
With the Syrian conflict already in its fifth year, various humanitarian organizations are hoping for it to end soon.
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