The Guardian: Lack of food means Syrian children face ‘irreversible’ health issues, says U.N.
“…Dina El Kassaby, a spokeswoman for [the World Food Programme], says ongoing funding problems mean the agency can’t ensure that young children are getting sufficient nutrients or that pregnant women are getting the nutrition they need to give their children a healthy start in life. The organization provides rations and food aid to four million people within Syria and another 1.5 million who are displaced across the region…” (Grant, 12/14).

U.N. News Centre: Syria crisis a ‘blot on our collective conscience’ U.N. relief chief says, urging sustained aid access, funding
“Speaking from Damascus [Monday], the top United Nations relief official said the situation in Syria is ‘unacceptable,’ with nearly 13.5 million Syrians in need of some form of assistance, and he urged the international community to generously support the U.N.’s $3.2 billion humanitarian operations plan for the war-torn country…” (12/14).

Washington Post: Russian airstrikes force a halt to aid in Syria, triggering a new crisis
“Aid agencies are warning of a worsening humanitarian crisis in northern Syria as sharply intensified Russian airstrikes paralyze aid supply routes, knock out bakeries and hospitals, and kill and maim civilians in growing numbers…” (Sly, 12/14).