The Syrian government is continuing its deadly barrage of airstrikes and artillery fire against the rebel-held enclave of Eastern Ghouta, outside the capital Damascus. Aid workers report at least 200 people have been killed over the last 48 hours. Many of the victims are women and children. On Tuesday, the charity UNICEF released a nearly blank statement on the killings, writing, “No words will do justice to the children killed, their mothers, their fathers and their loved ones,” followed by quotation marks and 10 blank lines. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert called Tuesday for an immediate ceasefire.
Heather Nauert: “We call on all parties to commit to the unconditional de-escalation of violence. Russia must end its support of the Assad regime and its allies. They’re responsible for the attacks, for the dire humanitarian situation in East Ghouta and for the horrendous civilian death toll. The United States supports the United Nations’ demand for a month-long cessation of violence to allow for the unfettered delivery of humanitarian supplies and the urgent medical evacuation of civilians in East Ghouta. The cessation of violence must begin now, and those needing emergency assistance should be allowed to evacuate immediately.”