ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The United Nations Security Council on Friday unanimously voted to extend cross-border aid operations into northwest Syria.
The resolution is an amalgamation of two drafts -- one proposed by Norway and Ireland and another by Russia, according to AFP.
UN aid will be allowed through Bab al-Hawa, connecting Turkey and Idlib, for a six-month period, before another possible six-month extension following a report from the UN.
Bab al-Hawa is a crossing between Turkey and Syria’s rebel-held Idlib province, and is currently the only crossing through which UN aid can enter northern Syria.
Russia, a close ally of the Syrian regime, has argued that all humanitarian aid can be delivered through Damascus. Three other border crossings, including one from Iraq into Syria’s northeast, were shuttered to UN aid after Russia and China used their veto power.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the renewal of the “lifeline” for more than 3.4 million people in need, but said needs continue to outstrip the response.
Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch urged Russia to allow aid to continue passing through Bab al-Hawa, saying ending cross-border aid is tantamount to a “death sentence” for millions.
