Northwest Syria holds breath for decision on cross-border aid
Syrians in Idlib fear aid cuts as much as new battles as their living conditions worsen.
Syria’s northwestern areas have been suffering a humanitarian crisis since April 2019. Though a cease-fire was struck in March in light of the pandemic, waves of displacement have increased the difficulties of everyday life.
“Six months ago, we were displaced from Maarat al-Numan to Zardana village in Idlib, and four months ago we reached Salqin,” said Saeed, who asked that only his first name be used. His home in southern Idlib was under constant bombardment until regime forces took control of it in late January.
Saeed has yet to find a job in Zardana to support his wife and five daughters and the family relies on modest financial and food aid from humanitarian organizations supporting displaced people in the area.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 1.4 million people had been displaced from northwestern Syria as of April 2019. Humanitarian workers are anxiously awaiting the UN Security Council to meet on July 10 and vote on extending the cross-border delivery of humanitarian aid, allowing help in without the Syrian regime’s approval.
