Worst humanitarian disaster

This refers to the thoughtful column by Khalaf Ahmad Al-Habtoor: “Tears alone cannot wash away Syria’s wounds” (Dec. 18). Aleppo is an ancient metropolis, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and the commercial capital of Syria, where people of all faiths lived together for centuries. It was also the Ottoman Empire’s third largest city after Constantinople and Cairo.

The battle for Aleppo is the worst humanitarian disaster since World War II, unfolding before the international community. This civil war has been ongoing for over 2,000 days, almost the duration of World War II. Civilians have been heavily targeted, leading to a catastrophic situation resulting in the loss of thousands of innocent lives. There cannot be any justification for this.

It is most unfortunate that the US, European countries and international organizations, such as the UN, have taken no action, despite heart-rending photos of death and destruction in the aftermath of devastating airstrikes on civilians. This reminds us of the hardships and tragedy the Syrian people have faced for the last five years.

Now that Aleppo is under government control, no tears are being shed for survivors, who are in an extremely distressing situation. With no homes, food or medicines, how will they survive? It is time for the world to unite and help end this humanitarian crisis.

The UN should monitor the Aleppo evacuation as tens of thousands of besieged inhabitants are in urgent need of medical aid, shelter and food. Until a permanent solution to this tragedy is found, the Gulf states and India should join in support of the Syrian people.

Ramesh G. Jethwani