Red Cross attempts to enter Homs anew

The Red Cross is seeking security-related guarantees as it renews efforts to access the city of Homs and other conflict-afflicted areas in Syria.

International Red Cross Committee head Jakob Kellenberger said it is important all parties to the monthslong Syrian conflict agree to give the Red Cross access to the civilians and wounded in Homs. He also noted “real security concerns” such as booby traps, among others, Reuters says.

“The will remains very strong to have access,” Kellenberger told Reuters. “If we want to enter, it is obviously because we think there are huge humanitarian needs.”

The Red Cross last attempted to enter Homs on June 21 (Thursday) but the group withdrew upon hearing shooting from the city.

This new attempt to enter the city comes a few days after its local partner, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, suffered yet another loss of staff. Bashar al-Youssef, a Red Crescent volunteer, was delivering first aid in the city of Deir Ezzor when he was shot and killed Friday (June 22). Al-Youssef is the fourth Syrian Red Crescent worker to have died in the line of duty in Syria since the uprising there started.

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