A U.N. commission on Syria on Tuesday opened an investigation into alleged chlorine attacks in Idlib and Eastern Ghouta.
Paulo Pinheiro, chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, said they have received multiple reports that bombs containing chlorine have been used in the town of Saraqeb in Idlib and in Douma in Eastern Ghouta.
He added that the commission is investigating these reports.
Expressing deep concern over the further escalation of violence in Idlib governorate and in Eastern Ghouta, Pinheiro said: "Since the beginning of the year, the increase in violence in Idlib has resulted in another upsurge of internal displacement with over a quarter of a million civilians reportedly fleeing the fighting."
"These reports are extremely troubling, and make a mockery of the so-called de-escalation zones intended to protect civilians from such bombardment,” he added.
He said parties to the conflict are violating international humanitarian laws.
"What is happening in Eastern Ghouta is not simply a humanitarian crisis because aid is denied, these sieges involve the international crimes of indiscriminate bombardment and deliberate starvation of the civilian population," Pinheiro said.
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This article has been adapted from its original source.
