DAMASCUS — Civilians in different parts of eastern Ghouta (9 kilometers, or 6 miles, east of Damascus), which is under the opposition’s control, have been chanting slogans such as “Yes, hunger has exhausted us, but our dignity comes first," "The leaders have their stomachs filled, and the children are hungry. Be merciful to them," and "The people want the fall of Zahran.”
Civilians have taken to the streets in demonstrations that have escalated since early August in Hamouriya, Kafr Batna and Harasta. The most recent demonstration took place in Saqba city on Aug. 7, as thousands of civilians demonstrated and demanded unity and the elimination of differences between the opposition factions warring over Ghouta, particularly those between Jaish al-Islam and Ajnad al-Sham Islamic Union.
