Members of the European Parliament are currently discussing the latest developments in Syria at the European Parliament (after the failed US-Russia attempts to revive the ceasefire followed by the Russian-backed Syrian government offensive against Aleppo).
Ivan Korčok, speaking on behalf of Federica Mogherini, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, argued that Aleppo was the « biggest humanitarian catastrophe in history » and that Syrian parties were now « further away » from a political solution to the conflict than before.
Some MEPs have called for the immediate imposition of a no-fly zone above Aleppo, and « strategic » sanctions against Russia, while others believe in the need to stick to the roadmap for peace established by UN resolution 2254.
The situation in Aleppo deteriorated notably since a humanitarian convoy on its way to deliver food and medical supplies was destroyed, just after the ceasefire was broken by Assad’s forces.
Russia and Syria had argued that it simply caught fire but UN experts have today showed that the analysis of satellite images proves that the convoy was destroyed by an air strike.
US officials have now halted talks with Russia.
Many in the west are now accusing Russia of committing war crimes , for targeting civilians, aid deliveries and hospital.
Residents of the eastern part of Aleppo have reported that more powerful “bunker-buster” bombs, able to bring down entire buildings and the bunker underneath were now being used. Russia has strongly denied those claims.
250,000 people are trapped in the eastern part of Aleppo under siege from Russian-backed Syrian forces. No food or medical supplies has reached them in days.
Aleppo is a strategic city for Assad. Gaining it would force the rebels toward the rural areas and would minimize the impact they can have since they have been using Aleppo as a hub to coordinate their actions in the country.
The problem is that instead of ending the war it would give way to a guerrilla insurgency. The remaining moderate groups backed by the West could then be tempted to join jihadist groups, as they witness the West’s inactions in front of this political deadlock.
470 000 people have already lost their life during the the civil war (11,5% of the population has been killed or injured in 5 years).
12 millions have been displaced from their home.
70% of the Syrians live in extreme poverty (twice as much as in Sub-Saharan Africa).
The French and Spanish are working on a new solution, but until then, the conflict keeps on targeting innocent civilians, while the world seems to grow tired of the conflict.
Until a political solution is found; we cannot stop talking about the situation in Syria and Aleppo!
