The UN announced on Thursday that the Syrian government has granted permission for one of its agencies to continue using a border crossing to deliver humanitarian aid to the northwest.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed the extension, allowing aid delivery from Turkey through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing for an additional six months, extending until January 13, 2025. According to spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, this extension is crucial for maintaining the UN’s cross-border operations, describing the crossing as a vital link for people in northwest Syria.
Dujarric emphasised the impact of the Bab al-Hawa crossing, highlighting that the UN and its partners typically reach more than a million people monthly with essential aid and protection services. However, he noted a significant decrease in aid delivery due to increasing funding shortages compared to previous years.
Regarding Gaza, Dujarric reiterated concerns about ongoing hostilities and instability, which severely hinder humanitarian efforts. He mentioned that the UN’s World Food Program (WFP) has assisted around 250,000 people in Gaza so far this month and supported over 1 million people in June. He also warned of imminent shortages in supplies necessary for distributing hot meals, stating that stocks will run out within days unless replenished.
