10k children trapped in Raqqa in pain

Having visited three camps in northern Syria to meet displaced children from Raqqa and Deir el-Zour, both controlled by Daesh, Fran Equiza, the UN Children's Fund's (UNICEF) Representative in Syria said, "I was completely overwhelmed,. There are 10,000 children trapped in Raqqa in extremely dire conditions. No electricity, no water, probably very little food ... and the battle almost every day.”

"Children and families who wish to leave Raqqa city must be allowed to do so in safety and in dignity,” he said, adding, "Parties to the conflict must protect them and facilitate safe passage for civilians to move to safety.”

Earlier, in reaction to attacks made by the US-backed coalition on Raqqa, UN Special Adviser Jan Egeland said, "Now is the time to think of possibilities, pauses or otherwise that might facilitate the escape of civilians, knowing that (so-called) Islamic State fighters are doing their absolute best to use them as human shields.”

He added, "I cannot think of a worse place on earth now than in these five neighborhoods and for these 20,000 people.”

Saying that an estimated 20,000 people are trapped in the northern city of Raqqa, Equiza said, 'The situation is bad today but it's going to get worse,' he warned.

With no access for humanitarian agencies, the city is completely deprived of any lifesaving assistance.