Bloodshed continues in Syria, 23 civilians killed

Eastern Ghouta [Syria], Mar 3 (ANI): Despite a ceasefire by the United Nations, at least 23 civilians have been killed in the fresh round of airstrikes by the Syrian regime forces in Syria's Eastern Ghouta.

Anadolu Agency quoted the Syrian Civil Defence as saying that the President Bashar al-Assad regime's ground and air attacks occurred despite decisions to implement a ceasefire made separately by Russia and the UN.

Around 697 people have been killed in the Eastern Ghouta since February 19.

The UNSC on Saturday unanimously backed a 30-day ceasefire resolution in Syria to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries and medical evacuations "without any delays."

In the past eight months, regime forces have intensified their siege of Eastern Ghouta, making it nearly impossible for food or medicine to get into the district and leaving thousands of patients in need of treatment.

Since February 19, escalating hostilities have resulted in 500 deaths and some 1,500 injuries in Eastern Ghouta, with 24 health facilities impacted by shelling and airstrikes, according to UN officials.

Eastern Ghouta, which houses around 400,000 residents, has remained under a crippling regime siege for the last five years with humanitarian access being completely cut off.

In May last year, Russia, Iran and Turkey signed an agreement to set up de-escalation zones, in order to prevent airstrike-related incidents in some parts of Syria.

The de-escalation zones include- Idlib province, some parts of Latakia province, Hama and Aleppo provinces, Homs, Eastern Ghouta, Daraa and al-Quneitra provinces in southern Syria.

Syria has been embroiled in a civil war since 2011. Protesters have been long demanding the resignation of President Assad over his autocratic rule. (ANI)