Syrians trapped in the besieged Ghouta region are sending a message to the rest of the world — “I am still alive.”
Residents of the violence-stricken town are posing for photos with their hand raised, in an effort to raise awareness of their plight.
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The region of eastern Ghouta is among the worst afflicted in the years-long Syrian violence, with residents fearing constant bombardment.
The United Nations says 400,000 people are trapped inside the besieged enclave, and were already running out of food and medical supplies before the assault began with intense air strikes two weeks ago.
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Amid the desperation, Getty Images captured some photos as part of the #Iamstillalive campaign.
The images feature young children, elderly men, and everyone in between.
Several people, after seeing photos of Syrians holding up their hands, responded by posting similar photos in solidarity.
Long-awaited trucks carrying aid arrived in Ghouta on Monday. But the government stripped some medical supplies from the convoy, and continued on with its air and ground assaults throughout the process.
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A senior UN official accompanying the convoy said he was “not happy” to hear loud shelling near the crossing point into eastern Ghouta despite an agreement that the aid would be delivered in safety.
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“We need to be assured that we will be able to deliver the humanitarian assistance under good conditions,” Ali al-Za’tari told Reuters at the crossing point.
While the aid may provide some relief to the trapped residents, there is no end in sight for the ongoing violence.
The area’s population has seen only brief periods of pauses in fighting over the past weeks.
— With files from Reuters
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