Humanitarian organisations in Northeast Syria (NES) are gravely concerned about the escalating violence in Northwest Syria, particularly in Aleppo and Tal Riffat, and its far-reaching humanitarian consequences. This intensifying crisis risks aggravating an already dire situation in NES, where vulnerable populations face immense challenges accessing essential services and securing basic needs. The ongoing conflict in Northwest Syria has displaced thousands of families, with potential spillover effects threatening to overwhelm NES's already overstretched resources. Overcrowded camps lack the capacity to absorb additional arrivals. Shelters are inadequate and in poor condition increasing health and protection risks for those already displaced and new arrivals from Northwest.
Just over a month ago, a significant escalation of airstrikes in NES caused catastrophic damage to critical infrastructure, including electricity and water systems, leaving more than 1.05 million people without power and disrupting access to clean water for thousands. These strikes compounded the long-term damage caused by recurrent hostilities over the past year, further restricting civilians’ access to essential services and increasing their vulnerability. These crises have been exacerbated by a suspected cholera outbreak, surging fuel prices, lack of fuel availability and mounting displacement pressures. The arrival of over 23 000 individuals fleeing violence in Lebanon into NES has further strained the region’s already fragile humanitarian resources.
Urgent Call for Action
Due to chronic underfunding, humanitarian agencies in NES were already being forced to make agonising choices to determine which vulnerable groups should be prioritized for aid. The same funding cuts have also crippled their ability to respond effectively to provide urgent assistance such as healthcare, food assistance, nutrition, shelter, WASH, and education. Now, as thousands flee from Northwest into Northeast Syria, needs are skyrocketing, and organizations will not be able to respond unless the international community steps up financial support.
The Northeast Syria NGO Forum calls on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and abide by International Humanitarian Law, ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance across all areas of Syria.