Syria: Impact of Hostilities in Aleppo and Idlib Governorates - Flash Update No. 01, 28 November 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

• Since the escalation of hostilities in Aleppo on 27 November, thousands of families fleeing active hostilities in western rural Aleppo have been displaced to areas in Aleppo City. Exact numbers are yet to be confirmed.

• Response efforts are underway led by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic under the leadership of the Directorate of Social Affairs and Labour (DoSAL) and supported by the humanitarian community. Immediate inter-sectoral response is underway.

• The Syria Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and Inter-Sector Coordination Working Group (ISC) met on 28 November to discuss the evolving situation and required response efforts. The ISC is in the process of developing a response plan premised on the contingency plan for North Syria

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since 27 November, active hostilities in western rural Aleppo Governorate have displaced thousands of families to Aleppo City, leaving many vulnerable to harsh winter conditions. Many displaced people arrived barefoot and with no belongings, highlighting the severity of their plight.

The renewed hostilities have reportedly affected various areasin Aleppo, including the densely populated towns of Nabul and Zahraa. Meanwhile, hostilities along the shifting frontlines in Aleppo and Idleb Governorates persist, allegedly leaving several civilians trapped in the affected areas. Unconfirmed reports indicate that dozens of locations have been impacted. Affected areas reportedly include areas in Atareb, Darit Azza, Haritan, and Nabu. Damage to critical infrastructure has been reported across northern and western Aleppo countryside.

Accessibility to the affected areas, as well as, other areas is also being affected by closures of major roads including the M-5 highway, which serves as a vital supply route for about 2 million people in Aleppo. This blockage is anticipated to delay humanitarian assistance, disrupt commercial supply chains, and increase the cost of essential commodities.

HUMANITARIAN IMPACT

About 7,000 people have been displaced Aleppo City, with the majority being hosted by relatives. One collective shelter has been established to accommodate additional internally displaced people (IDPs).

Civilian casualties have been reported, although the figures remain unverified. Infrastructure damage and security concerns have caused widespread disruption to services, and some humanitarian organizations have temporarily suspended operations.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AND COORDINATION

Coordination

• On 27 November, an ad-hoc Area Humanitarian Country Team (AHCT) convened in Aleppo.

• The Humanitarian Coordinator called for an ad-hoc HCT meeting on 28 November to provide updates and align the response.

• Additional response capacities are being mobilised.

• The Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) is mapping existing response capacities to ensure effective deployment of resources.

• A response plan is under development, led by the ISCG.

Response

• The Government of the Syrian Arab Republic has opened one collective shelter in Bader Shaker Al-Sayab school in Aleppo City, with a capacity to host 250 people. A multi-sectoral response is ongoing. Distribution of essential food and non-food items (NFIs) took place at the immediate admission to shelter.

• Another shelter is being prepared to accommodate additional IDPs if needed.

• The Directorate of Social Affairs (DoSALO) has assigned two national non-governmental organisations as primary responders. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) is leading assistance distribution.

Immediate inter-sector emergency response as of 28 November

Food Assistance:

- WFP has distributed ready-to-eat food parcels to IDPs in the collective shelter that is sufficient for five days.

Non-Food Items (NFIs):

- An international humanitarian organization, in coordination with SARC, has distributed blankets and mattresses to IDPs in collective shelters, with plans to distribute kitchen sets in the coming days.

Shelter and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH):

- UNHCR conducted a rapid assessment at a newly established collective shelter in Aleppo City, which opened on 27 November.

NEEDS/GAPs

• NFIs: Clothing, mattresses, blankets, solar lamps, jerry cans, and kitchen sets.

• Food Assistance: Hot meals and ready-to-eat rations.

• Emergency medical assistance and supplies.

• Hygiene/dignity kits and shelter cleaning materials.

• Advocacy efforts to ensure the protection of civilian IDPs.