08:21, 24-Feb-2018
Syria Conflict: UN calls for urgent ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta
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The United Nations is calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Eastern Ghouta region of Syria. For the past five days, the rebel-held enclave near the capital has seen brutal and constant fighting from pro-government forces. In about an hour, the UN Security Council is to vote on a 30-day ceasefire.
ALESSANDRA VELLUCCI UN SPOKESPERSON "The Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, reiterates that the humanitarian situation of the civilians in Eastern Ghouta is appalling and, therefore, we are in urgent need for a ceasefire that stops both the horrific heavy bombardment of Eastern Ghouta and the indiscriminate mortar shelling on Damascus."
Syria and its ally, Russia, say they're only targeting militants in the enclave - trying to cut their ability to fire mortars onto the capital. Monitoring groups say the recent escalation has killed more than 400 people, many of whom are children.