#SAMS #Idlib #Syria

Urgent Call for Humanitarian Relief in Syria

On December 2, 2024, a troubling escalation of violence in Syria continued with an airstrike targeting the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) facilities, particularly the Idlib Maternity and Idlib National hospitals. The attack occurred around 3 PM local time, striking near the entrance to these facilities and resulting in structural damage. Fortunately, no staff or patients in the buildings were injured, as they had been taking refuge in the facilities' basements due to ongoing security concerns since late November.

This recent assault follows a devastating airstrike the previous day at the Aleppo University Hospital, which resulted in numerous civilian deaths and injuries. Aleppo University was a primary provider of care for those injured during intense fighting over the past weekend. Tragically, among the injured was a SAMS ambulance driver who was near the hospital entrance when this attack occurred.

The renewed violence began around November 27, causing massive civilian casualties and extensive damage to essential infrastructure. In light of these developments, SAMS has temporarily suspended non-essential healthcare services at nine of its facilities to prioritize the safety of patients and medical staff, a decision that deprives thousands of essential medical care.

In 14 years of conflict, Syria has witnessed nearly 1,000 attacks targeting healthcare, claiming the lives of 500 medical personnel, including over 60 individuals associated with SAMS. The ongoing conflict has forced approximately 50,000 civilians to flee their homes due to the surge in violence. Despite the chaos, SAMS has been able to treat hundreds of civilian casualties, although many others have been denied care due to compromised roads and facility closures.

SAMS actively responded by dispatching a medical team to Aleppo to assess health needs and coordinate emergency services with other healthcare entities. Their response included rapidly mobilizing ambulances to rescue injured individuals and securing vital supplies for an increasing number of trauma patients.

Dr. Mufaddal Hamadeh, President of SAMS, stated, "We appeal for calm and urgency in humanitarian efforts to care for the vulnerable. Hospitals, schools, and civilians are never targets in war. We must unite to advocate for decency and prioritize the needs of those most affected, regardless of their location on the frontline."

The ongoing humanitarian crisis demands immediate attention from local and international communities. With 2,300 staff members providing approximately 9,000 medical services daily across nearly 40 facilities in northwest Syria, SAMS cannot operate effectively under these perilous conditions.

Their mission extends beyond Syria's borders, serving refugees and vulnerable populations in countries like Lebanon, Jordan, and beyond. For those wishing to support the urgent relief efforts during this critical time, donations can be made through SAMS' emergency relief fund for the Syria crisis at bit.ly/SAMS4Syria.

As violence continues and healthcare infrastructure crumbles, the voice of advocacy for humanitarian assistance must grow stronger, ensuring healthcare and safety for all people, especially during such harrowing times.