Geneva/Damascus (ICRC) – Fighting in Quneitra governorate, including near Al Baath, the provincial capital, is forcing thousands of families to flee to Rural Damascus. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which is working closely with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) to respond to the needs of the displaced, has provided emergency relief for over 50,000 people.

Clashes between government forces and the armed opposition have intensified in recent days in Quneitra governorate – in Quneitra city in particular, where access to clean water, food, and health care is limited.

In the last ten days, more than 25,000 Quneitra residents have arrived in nearby Qatana, a town in the neighbouring governorate of Rural Damascus. As fighting continues unabated, the number of internally displaced persons in flight from Quneitra is expected to grow.

The ICRC responded last week to this latest wave of displacement by providing food parcels, mattresses and other essential items, which the SARC distributes locally. Yesterday, an ICRC-SARC convoy delivered emergency relief for 25,000 displaced people.

The ICRC reminds all parties of their obligation under international humanitarian law to protect and spare civilians at all times and ensure their access to essential services.

For more information, please contact:
Simon Schorno, ICRC Damascus, tel.: +963 993 700 847
Nada Doumani, ICRC Geneva, tel.: +41 22 730 37 23  or  +41 79 447 37 26
 

See also: Food aid reaching more people in Syria, operational update, 10.09.2014