Amman, Jordan, January 8, 2026 — Juan Gabriel Wells, International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) Country Director for Syria, says:
“In just the past two days, more than 30,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, seeking safety in other parts of Aleppo and neighboring towns. At least 1,100 people are now sheltering in overcrowded collective centers, many of which are ill-equipped to meet the urgent needs of those arriving.
Recovering after more than a decade of conflict, Aleppo cannot withstand another wave of devastation. The city’s residents—including more than 190,000 people who returned last year hoping for a fresh start—entered 2026 longing for peace and stability. Instead, many are once again facing displacement, insecurity, and uncertainty. This latest escalation threatens to shatter those hopes almost immediately, while sharply increasing humanitarian needs at a time when aid operations are already critically underfunded and overstretched.
Due to the escalating violence, the IRC and our Syrian partners have been forced to temporarily suspend humanitarian operations in the city. We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to resume life-saving assistance as soon as conditions allow.
Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. The IRC calls on all parties to the conflict—and all those with influence—to immediately end the violence and ensure safe, sustained humanitarian access to people in need. The international community must urgently intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and significantly increase funding to support life-saving assistance across Syria.”
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