A spokesperson for the United Nations announced today, Friday, that the international organization has requested the Syrian government to extend its approval for post-earthquake aid deliveries in opposition-controlled areas through two additional crossings. However, two informed sources indicated that an extension is unlikely.
On the eve of the expiration of the aid crossing permit, Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, stated that they have requested a "extension of the special measures taken following the February 6 earthquake to continue facilitating the humanitarian response for all affected areas."
Laerke mentioned that the discussions were "constructive," but referred Reuters to the Syrian government when asked about the likelihood of approving the extension. The Syrian government did not respond to emailed inquiries.
The UN already has a mandate from the UN Security Council to use the Bab al-Hawa border crossing, which it has utilized since 2014 to deliver aid to millions in need in the northwest without requiring Syrian government approval.
Four informed sources revealed that Assad's decision in February was made after pressure from the UAE. One source, a Syrian close to the Gulf, said on Friday that there are "indications that there will be no extension."
A source in New York familiar with the UN discussions on the matter indicated that an extension seems unlikely. The source noted that aid providers initially thought Assad would renew the deadline, but Syria's return to the Arab League has diminished the pressure source.
Relief groups fear that nearly four million people may be deprived of vital assistance.
Tanya Evans, Director of the International Rescue Committee in Syria, stated, "It is important that humanitarian aid continues to reach northwest Syria."
Amnesty International stated that its analysis concluded that the passage of aid through the crossings would remain legal under international law, regardless of approval for the extension.
The organization added, "There are no alternatives, and UN cross-border relief operations are essential to halt the suffering of civilians and the serious human rights violations in northwest Syria."
