Since the 28th of  April, there has been a marked increase in the number of airstrikes and shelling in Syria, specifically the northern Hama Governorate and south western Idleb Governorate. Over 152,000 Syrians have been displaced into Northern Idleb and northern Aleppo. There is ongoing conflict and shelling exacerbating the current humanitarian situation.  

Lives Lost in North West Syria

The intense increase of aerial attacks in Syria has not only resulted in the damage of infrastructure and population displacement but has resulted in the death of 287 people including 22 children. This also included the deaths of three health workers representing various humanitarian organisations.  

Ongoing hostilities limit access to the affected areas, leading to suspension of aid activities and incidents of violence against humanitarian aid and actors. Ongoing response efforts are stretched and do not meet needs of the displaced population. 

Vital Infrastructure Damaged 

Between 29 April and 6 May, at least twelve health facilities were hit by airstrikes in northern Hama and Idlib Governorates, damaging health infrastructures that provided essential health services to over 100,000 civilians. 

Shelling, airstrikes and active fighting in and around over 50 villages in northern rural Hama and southern Idlib caused destruction of at least 10 schools, leading to the suspension of education activities 

Current Situation of those Displaced 

The shelling and airstrikes have been occurring primarily in Northern Hama governate, which has been almost completely evacuated due to the attacks. Those displaced are moving to other areas in North Western Syria which are already over populated and lack in camps and housing for the newly displaced. Half of the 3.5 million people living in North-Western Syria are internally displaced persons, and 350,000 of them are living in camps.  

The situation is dire and lacking in essential healthcare, food, shelter and sanitation services. The operation of education and health facilities have suspended resulting in increase demand for the essential services. Including shelter food and non-food-items, those displaced are also in need of trauma health care.  

Islamic Relief Response 

Islamic Relief has already mobilised its Mobile Emergency unit (MEU) in Northern Syria and the provided drugs and disposables in targeted health facilities are under -utilization to provide much needed trauma health care. 

IR Syria will immediately start the response prioritising shelter and food parcels. Additionally, 500 households will receive NFIs (preferably tents). IR will be able to implement the emergency response directly through its existing teams in North Western Syria.

We have been working in Syria as strongly as ever, even amidst the continuing eighth year of war.