Latest escalation of violence in Syria another blow to children as eight killed and thousands forced to flee

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Nov. 29, 2024) – Eight children are among 27 people reported killed in the last three days of escalating violence in northwestern Syria, while more than 21,000 people – at least half of whom are children – have been displaced in another deeply concerning development in the country and the region, said Save the Children.  

Renewed fighting broke out on November 27, leading to displacement, civilian casualties, suspension of classes in schools and universities in Idlib and the western Aleppo countryside, and suspension of humanitarian aid by several NGOs due to the violence.

Rasha Muhrez, Save the Children Response Director in Syria said: “We are deeply alarmed by reports that eight children have been killed in this flare up of violence in Syria and the escalating numbers of children and families displaced.  

“In three days of attacks since November 27, thousands of families have been forced to flee for safety as bombs and airstrikes sound over and around them – many of them for the second or third time. Thousands of families had fled to Aleppo City where children and families now face further danger as fighting has spread to the city. The UN has reported that many people fled with nothing, not even their shoes. They and other families are left to the mercy of harsh winter conditions where temperatures at night are barely above zero.  

“Once again children are paying the highest price for the ongoing conflict in Syria with this latest escalation again highlighting the risks to their lives, their futures and their families. In Syria services have already collapsed after 14 years of conflict and basic systems have limited capacity to respond to shocks. These latest attacks come on top of a humanitarian crisis in Syria already at record levels with almost 17 million people – over half of them children – in need of assistance.

This latest violence is yet another blow to the desire of Syrians for a return to some sense of normality and a better future for their children. International humanitarian law demands that all parties to the conflict must protect of civilians and civilian infrastructure.”