UN urges 'lifesaving' aid for people trapped in Syria town

The United Nations' humanitarian chief Saturday called for a cessation of hostilities in the Damascus suburb that has been beseiged by the Syrian army for months to allow aid groups to provide food and medical treatment. Although thousands were evacuated last week, "the same number or more remain trapped," Valerie Amos said in a statement, noting that continued shelling and fighting hinder aid workers from reaching the needy in the town of Moadamiyet al-Sham. "I call on all parties to agree an immediate pause in hostilities in Moadamiyet to allow humanitarian agencies unhindered access to evacuate the remaining civilians and deliver life-saving treatment and supplies," Amos said.