The wreckage of destroyed buildings in Douma town of Eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria on February 24, 2018. (Mouneb Abu Taim / Anadolu)
Doha: Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) announced yesterday that they have provided QR1m for emergency response to the humanitarian crisis in Eastern Ghouta, Syria.
Under the intervention, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) is working in coordination with local partners to secure relief and medical supplies for the heavily bombed city. QRCS said in a statement yesterday that they will provide 34,500 food meals over 17 days, or 2,000 meals per day, at shelters and distribution locations designated by municipalities and community representatives.
They added that the ongoing military escalation has exacerbated the region’s humanitarian tragedy, including the lack of food products and basic medical services. Five hospitals have become inoperable, and most of the population have resorted to shelter. Humanitarian aid providers have limited access to the distressed area.
Meanwhile, UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura renewed his call yesterday for an urgent ceasefire to stop the “horrific” bombing of the besieged region of eastern Ghouta as well as the indiscriminate mortar shelling on Damascus.
He said the ceasefire needs to be followed by immediate humanitarian access to eastern Ghouta and the evacuation of the sick and injured.
