UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed on Wednesday for an “immediate suspension of all war activities in eastern Ghouta”.

Speaking to the UN Security Council, Guterres said residents were living in “hell on earth”. Guterres said he “is deeply alarmed by the escalating situation in Eastern Ghouta and its devastating impact on civilians.”

“The Secretary-General reminds all parties, particularly the guarantors of the Astana agreements, of their commitments in this regard,” a UN statement added.

He urges all stakeholders to ensure basic principles of international humanitarian law are adhered to, including unhindered humanitarian access, unconditional medical evacuations, and the protection of civilians.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2018