Syria Humanitarian

• The UN Security Council failed to reach consensus on a resolution extending cross-border humanitarian aid to Syria, with Russia vetoing the measure on Friday amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Western nations over the Syrian conflict's humanitarian toll. • Russia's veto marks the third such blocking in two years, preventing critical medical supplies and food assistance from reaching 5.5 million internally displaced Syrians, according to UN humanitarian coordinator statements. • Western diplomats warned the blockade could exacerbate an already severe humanitarian crisis, with aid agencies reporting shortages of vaccines, antibiotics, and nutrition programs across northern Syria.

• Turkey convened emergency peace negotiations in Istanbul on Thursday involving representatives from Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and international mediators to address escalating refugee flows and cross-border military operations. • Syrian government forces launched new offensive operations against opposition-held territories, displacing an estimated 340,000 civilians and creating a humanitarian emergency affecting 8.7 million people across the region. • UN humanitarian coordinator warned of imminent famine conditions in northwest Syria unless fighting ceases and aid corridors reopen, with food insecurity affecting 70% of the population in conflict zones.

• The UN Security Council failed to authorize cross-border humanitarian assistance into Syria after Russia vetoed a resolution supported by 13 member states on Thursday, April 10, blocking aid deliveries to rebel-held northwest regions. • The veto marks the seventh Russian obstruction of Syria humanitarian measures since 2011, leaving an estimated 4.5 million Syrians in need without international UN-coordinated relief channels. • Humanitarian organizations warn the blockade will exacerbate a severe food and medicine shortage, with winter conditions deteriorating access to displaced populations in Idlib province.

• The UN World Food Programme reported on April 7 that Syria faces its worst food insecurity crisis in over a decade, with 16 million people—over half the population—unable to meet basic nutritional needs. • Persistent drought, currency collapse, and ongoing conflict have depleted grain reserves and disrupted agricultural production; humanitarian agencies warn of malnutrition reaching dangerous levels among children. • The US pledged $80 million in humanitarian assistance channeled through international organizations; however, political divisions over Syria's government complicate aid delivery and coordination.