Russia declared that there will be a “humanitarian pause” to bombardment in Aleppo between 8 am and 4 pm on October 20.
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."
