Ceasefire holds in south Syria, but humanitarian crisis deepens: UN

Damascus [Syria], August 1: While a fragile ceasefire has largely calmed fighting in southern Syria's Sweida province, the humanitarian situation has worsened significantly, the United Nations warned on Thursday. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), only sporadic clashes are still reported in rural areas following the recent deadly sectarian violence between Druze militias and pro-government Sunni tribal groups. Despite the drop in violence, infrastructure in the region has collapsed, the UN said. Hospitals are facing severe shortages of staff, electricity, water and essential medical supplies. Public services in many towns have broken down completely. The UN estimates that at least 176,000 people have been displaced in Sweida and neighbouring Daraa since mid-July. Human rights monitors say over 1,300 people have been killed, including some 200 victims of summary executions. Israel has also conducted airstrikes in the south and near Damascus, claiming it is acting to protect the Druze population. (dpa)
Source: Qatar Tribune