Agreement opens door to Syrian army operation in Yarmouk

Palestinian groups agreed to join forces with the Syrian government to expel Islamic State militants from an embattled Palestinian refugee camp in Damascus, opening the door to a potentially destructive military campaign in a district already devastated by many rounds of fighting. But the head of the U.N. cautioned that a military assault on the Yarmouk camp would be “yet one more outrageous war crime for which those responsible must be held accountable." Islamic State extremists overran much of Yarmouk last week, establishing a foothold in the Syrian capital for the first time.

We will establish a joint military operation between the Syrian army and Palestinian factions, and this (operations) room will lead the military campaign to oust IS. The campaign will start soon.

Ahmad Majdalani, a Palestinian Authority envoy

The latest fighting in Yarmouk has worsened an already desperate situation for civilians trapped in the besieged camp. Residents say there is barely enough food and water, and hospitals have long run out of drugs and supplies. The International Committee of the Red Cross joined a growing number of groups calling for immediate access for humanitarian aid to Yarmouk. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the mayhem has turned Yarmouk into "the deepest circle of hell." The secretary-general is demanding an end to the fighting, access for humanitarian aid and safe passage for people who wish to flee.

A refugee camp is beginning to resemble a death camp.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon