In news from Syria, an operation to evacuate trapped civilians from the besieged city of Homs is underway after government forces and rebels agreed to a ceasefire. U.N. spokesperson Farhan Haq said the pause would also allow the delivery of aid.

Farhan Haq: “We welcome the reports that the parties have agreed a humanitarian pause to allow civilians out of and aid into old Homs city. The United Nations and humanitarian partners had pre-positioned food, medical and other basic supplies on the outskirts of Homs, ready for immediate delivery as soon as the green light was given by the parties for safe passage.”