Assad regime agrees on humanitarian aid delivery via Bab al-Hawa crossing for 6 months
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the understanding reached between the United Nations and Assad regime to continue using Bab al-Hawa crossing for humanitarian aid delivery into northwest Syria during the upcoming 6 months.
The Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, confirmed that “This understanding comes in the wake of engagement between the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, and Assad regime.”
Haq pointed out that “this understanding will allow the United Nations and its partners to continue providing the humanitarian aid across the border, with the appropriate amount and in a principled manner that allows the engagement with all parties seeking to deliver humanitarian aid in a way that protects the operational independence of the United Nations. “
Haq also said: “Assad regime’s approval provides a basis for the United Nations and its partners to legally conduct cross-border humanitarian operations through Bab al-Hawa crossing.”
The UN Secretary-General welcomed Syria’s 6-month extension to reauthorize the use of Bab al-Salam and al-Rai crossings. He also welcomed its approval to deliver aid across conflict lines inside Syria during the upcoming six months.
