President Putin issues humanitarian decree to save “hell on earth” in Syria

President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Sputnik

“According to the decree of the President of Russia, a daily humanitarian ceasefire, from 9:00 to 14:00 (local time), will be applied, starting from February 27 to avoid civilian casualties in Eastern Ghouta,”RTcited the announcement of the Russian Ministry of Defense said.

According to the announcement, the purpose of President Putin's decree is to establish a special humanitarian corridor for Syrians, allowing them to safely leave the Eastern Ghouta area. In addition, Russia has also prepared support resources for this corridor.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the Red Crescent would take part in setting up humanitarian corridors in Eastern Ghouta and local residents would receive information via leaflets, text messages and videos.

Previously, on February 24, the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved a 30-day ceasefire across Syria. However, because the ceasefire does not apply to terrorist organizations such as the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS), al-Qaeda or the al-Nusra Front, airstrikes in Eastern Ghouta continue.

People in Eastern Ghouta evacuate from the rubble after attacks. Photo: Reuters

Syrian government forces have killed more than 560 people in the past eight days in Eastern Ghouta, a suburb of the capital Damascus, including more than 100 children. Eastern Ghouta, where 393,000 civilians are trapped, has been repeatedly hit by heavy artillery and missile attacks.

At least 22 people were killed in airstrikes and artillery attacks on the Douma and Harasta areas of Eastern Ghouta on Monday alone, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Even with the UN-ordered ceasefire, at least 36 people were killed in Eastern Ghouta over the weekend, according to figures from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Humanitarian relief and assistance to displaced people are facing many difficulties. Medical facilities have been severely damaged, leaving many people, including children, without timely treatment. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that “Eastern Ghouta cannot wait any longer” and called for an end to the violence in the “hell on earth” of Eastern Ghouta.