Skip to main content

Syrian government and rebels reach ceasefire in Yarmouk refugee camp

VARIOUS factions and the Syrian government reached a ceasefire deal in the besieged Palestinian Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus on Sunday.

Yarmouk is the largest of nine Palestinian camps in Syria and the agreement could help to ease the suffering of some 18,000 civilians who have been trapped there since the government imposed a blockade in mid-2013. 

Previous agreements to end the fighting in Yarmouk had all collapsed.

Syria’s official Sana news agency said the latest deal had been sponsored by the Syrian government and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

Under the agreement, heavy weapons are to be removed from the camp, barriers are to be taken down and an internal force is to be created to guarantee security.

“We welcome any agreement that achieves a cessation of hostilities, full humanitarian access and an end to the suffering of civilian in Yarmouk,” UN spokesman Chris Gunness said.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 9,899
We need:£ 8,101
12 Days remaining
Donate today