End of E. Ghouta battle may unlock aid route to 100,000 Syrians – UN

The United Nations is hopeful of getting aid to at least 100,000 Syrians after months of fighting ended years of siege around the rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta, UN humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland told Reuters. “There seems to be an agreement on Douma, the remaining rebel stronghold, that could lead to us getting access for the first time in a long time, to help the people inside Douma,” Egeland said, adding that they are desperate for help. The UN had long been prevented from sending aid, Egeland said in Geneva. He said he hoped all those who wanted to leave would be evacuated and those who wanted to stay could remain.