North-West Syria: Situation Report (2 Nov 2023) [EN/AR]

HIGHLIGHTS

• More than 70 people have been killed, over a third of whom were children, and 349 others injured, following an escalation of hostilities that began on 5 October.

• Over 120,000 people have been displaced in two weeks following the hostilities. The incidents affected over 40 health facilities, 27 schools and 20 water systems.

• From September to October, 257 trucks carrying UN aid crossed into north-west Syria including during the period of increasing hostilities.

• The UN conducted 49 cross-border missions in September and October including to meet with partners and families displaced by the hostilities as well as to assess frontline areas.

• The SCHF launched a Reserve Allocation in October with an indicative envelope of US$2.6 million to address urgent needs that cannot be covered by the Standard Allocation.

FEATURE

Children exceed one-third of casualties due to hostilities

Increased shelling and airstrikes have intensified across Idleb and western Aleppo, resulting in civilian deaths, injuries and displacements.

The escalation, which began on 5 October, has affected over 2,300 locations, marking the most significant hostile incident in north-west Syria since 2019.

Out of the more than 70 civilian casualties, over one-third were children, 14 were women, and four were aid workers. As of 30 October, local health authorities have reported at least 349 other civilians injured, including 77 children. Additionally, over 120,000 people have been displaced, and critical facilities and infrastructure have suffered damage. This includes 43 health facilities, 27 schools, and over 20 water systems. While half of the displaced population has reportedly returned, the situation remains fluid.

The humanitarian community has supported affected communities with food, hygiene kits, tents as well as health, nutrition, protection and WASH services. A UN interagency mission, led by the UN Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator David Carden, was conducted to Idleb on 12 October to assess the emergency response, followed by further monitoring and assessment missions, including visits to frontline areas.