The Guardian: Severe malnutrition confirmed among children in Madaya
“Cases of severe malnutrition have been confirmed among children in the besieged Syrian town of Madaya, hours after the U.N. chief, Ban Ki-moon, described the use of starvation tactics in the civil conflict as a war crime…” (Shaheen, 1/15).

New York Times: In Syrian Town Cut Off From the World, Glimpses of Deprivation
“…After nearly five years of civil war in Syria, the United Nations estimates that 400,000 people are trapped behind battle lines by the government, the Islamic State, or rival insurgents…” (Barnard et al., 1/14).

New York Times: As Aid Reaches Syrians, U.N. Chief Says Withholding Food Is a War Crime
“… ‘Let me be clear: The use of food as a weapon of war is a war crime,’ Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Thursday in a speech to the General Assembly. ‘All sides, including the Syrian government, which has the primary responsibility to protect Syrians, are committing atrocious acts prohibited under international humanitarian law’…” (Sengupta/Cumming-Bruce, 1/14).

Reuters: UNICEF confirms severe malnutrition in Syria’s besieged Madaya
“…Dozens of deaths from starvation have been reported by monitoring groups, local doctors, and local aid agencies from Madaya, which is besieged by Syrian pro-government forces. UNICEF said that out of 25 children under the age of five screened by its staff and the World Health Organization, 22 showed signs of ‘moderate to severe’ malnutrition…” (Davison/Perry, 1/15).