8 hours of “humanitarian pause” to Aleppo strikes

Russian Defense Ministry announced that there will be a halt to Aleppo strikes in order to allow civilians and rebels to leave city.

The "humanitarian pause" announcement came after the report of a bombardment leaving 14 members of one Aleppo family dead. Volunteer rescue teams stated that at least 8 children and 2 women have been killed within 24 hours.

Sergei Rudskoy, a senior Defence Ministry official, announced the pause on Monday and said that there will be a pause "first and foremost so that civilians can move freely, for the evacuation of the sick and wounded, and also for the removal of rebels."

UN: 8 hours is not enough

On the other hand, UN stated that 8 hours is not enough for a humanitarian pause, it should last at least for 12 hours.

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric made a statement after Russia's announcement: “Any lessening of the violence, lessening of the fighting, any pause that's actually implemented, would be very much welcome. Obviously there is a need for a longer pause in order to get (aid) trucks in."