Syria: Recent Developments in Aleppo - Flash Update No. 5, 02 December 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

• Civilians have been affected for the sixth consecutive day by ongoing hostilities.
• Humanitarian concerns, including displacements and risks to civilians, continue to be reported.
• Humanitarian organizations appeal to all parties to uphold the protection of civilians.
• Urgent measures are required to enable access
• to assistance and essential services, including healthcare such as critical trauma care, in affected areas.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

For the sixth consecutive day, the situation remains fluid in many parts of the country, particularly in the northern and northwestern regions. Escalating hostilities continue to impact civilians, civilian infrastructure, and humanitarian access and operations. Displacement from Tal Refaat to northwest and northeast Syria has been reported. An agreement has reportedly been reached to establish a passage for the movement of people from Tal Refaat to areas in Northeast Syria (NES). Additionally, displacements to central and southern governorates persist. New arrivals have been reported in Damascus, Rural Damascus, Hama, Homs, Lattakia, and Tartous Governorates. Response efforts are ongoing, with authorities in these governorates and NES setting up collective shelters and reception centers to accommodate internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Hostilities remain intense in Aleppo, Idleb, and Hama, with repercussions on civilians, humanitarian personnel, facilities, and assets.Tragically, one humanitarian worker has been killed, and five others, including staff and volunteers, sustained injuries. Protection concerns have been reported, including restrictions on freedom of movement, deaths and injuries, and damage to civilian properties and infrastructure, such as schools, health facilities, banks, places of worship, and shops.

The delivery of and access to basic services, along with humanitarian operations, continue to face severe disruptions in affected areas, especially in Aleppo, Idleb, and Hama. In Aleppo City, a nightly curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. remains in place.

Aleppo City’s ambulance and emergency systems resumed operations after a two-day suspension due to heightened tensions. Authorities have provided reassurances that public health facilities will continue to function. Some healthcare professionals have launched an initiative (#Online_Doctor) to provide free consultations via WhatsApp. On 2 December, the Ashrafiyah neighborhood in Aleppo City, located just 2.8 kilometres from the United Nations (UN) hub, experienced significant impacts. While most residents remain indoors, many have been seen waiting in long queues for bread under precarious conditions. Public appeals have increased for safe routes to facilitate movement.

The Government of Syria has indicated that telecommunications services in Aleppo will remain functional until the end of December, with an emphasis on electronic payments. Public services and critical facilities in Aleppo, including hospitals, bakeries, electricity, water, internet, and telecommunications, are reported to be partially or fully disrupted due to shortages of supplies and personnel.