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’Devastating consequences’ if UN aid not allowed in Syria: UN chief

The UN chief said more humanitarian access is required to reach those most in need, highlighting cross-border and cross-line operations.

“We are in dialogue with Turkey and groups in control of the area, and I have strong hopes that it will be possible to start cross-line operations soon,” said Guterres.

“But we must recognize that they will never be able to replace cross-border assistance at the present levels,” he added.

A large-scale UN cross-border response for an additional 12 months remains essential to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in northwest Syria, according to UN officials.

Syria has been in a civil war since early 2011 when the regime of Bashar al-Assad cracked down on pro-democracy protests with unexpected ferocity.

Around half a million people have been killed and more than 12 million had to flee their homes in the past decade.

Source: Anadolu Agency