Dear Supporter,

This is a special update to inform you of UNHCR’s response to the escalating crisis in the southern Syrian city of Daraa.

As you may have seen in news reports, an estimated 320,000 men, women and children have now fled this new surge in hostilities. It is the largest displacement here since the Syrian conflict began.

With borders closed, civilians are unable to flee into neighbouring countries. Overnight, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees called on all parties to redouble efforts to cease hostilities, and to allow humanitarian agencies access to deliver aid and evacuate the wounded.

Our colleagues on the ground are reporting that many people are stranded in the desert area with little access to humanitarian assistance. At least 160,000 people have fled towards the Golan Heights area, and an estimated 60,000 people are near the Jordanian border. Meanwhile some 12-15,000 have reportedly fled to the Sweida governorate, in Syria's southwest.

It is a dire situation and UNHCR is mobilising operations to deliver relief, including shelter, solar lighting, blankets and cooking sets. It also leading the protection response for the most vulnerable, such as children and the elderly, as well as support for any victims of sexual violence. Read our latest report from Syria to learn more about UNHCR’s response.

While cross border convoys are currently on hold due the security situation, UNHCR is drawing from pre-positioned stockpiles to help the local population.

Thank you again for your ongoing support for refugees. UNHCR teams continue to assess the situation on a daily basis, for the latest updates follow UNHCR Syria on Twitter.

Kind regards,  Naomi Steer National Director