NORTH WEST SYRIA: Save the Children condemns attacks killing at least 13 children in three days in ceasefire zone

For immediate release

Amman, 18 July – Save the Children said at least 13 children have been killed in a wave of violence in North West Syria, over the last three days.

Since Thursday, ongoing artillery attacks and airstrikes have been targeting civilian areas in the ceasefire zone in Idlib and Aleppo outskirts. The majority of children killed were aged between four and 14. In one attack, a one-year-old infant was killed.

The attacks have intensified recently, reaching a peak only a few days ahead of the Eid al-Adha holidays. It is not the first time children have been killed in the run-up to Eid.

Save the Children’s Syria Response Director, Sonia Khush said:

“It is heartbreaking to see innocent children in North West Syria approaching Eid with a fear of death, as shelling continues to batter their villages. These children would have been excited to get new clothes or toys for the festivity. Instead, they are hiding from violence and grieving their siblings and friends.

“We cannot be talking about a sustainable ceasefire when children are being killed and maimed almost on a daily basis. These violations fly in the face of promises to respect the cessation of hostilities agreed by warring parties. Such attacks prove the ceasefire is no more than ink on paper. The shedding of blood and destruction of lives must stop now.”

Save the Children urges all parties to the conflict in Syria to respect International Humanitarian Law and avoid targeting civilian areas. Amid the intensity of violence not seen since before the ceasefire, Save the Children also warns that any further violations will mean that the ceasefire is no longer valid.