The lifeline of cross-border UN aid from Iraq into North and East Syria is about to be cut off, with all aid for Syria to be routed through Damascus.

"This decision will cut off aid to four million people," Mehmud Bro of North and East Syria's Internal Affairs Bureau told Rojava Information Center.

The decision will equally affect IDPs and the civilian population in Idlib and North and East Syria, plus 40,000+ foreign nationals being held in North and East Syria, primarily ISIS-linked.

Until now, UN aid could reach these populations through four border crossings out of regime control.

This system requires yearly renewal. Due to the Turkish invasion and SDF-Damascus deal, Russia and China have vetoed its renewal. "Russia say the regime now has territorial control. They want only two border crossings, both controlled by the regime. This would suffocate us." Russia's counter-proposal has not been accepted, but aid will stop by 10 January if a solution isn't found.

As it stands, Mr. Bro said, the decision strengthens Assad, strengthens ISIS' resurgence in Hol camp and further punishes millions of civilians.

As well as allowing Damascus to extend its grasp over the North East, Mr. Bro noted that aid arriving in Damascus "mostly ends up in the pockets of the regime, or its supporters." As the Syrian pound crashes, Damascus has an obvious interest in securing an influx of aid dollars.

This decision will not close the Semalka crossing, but another crossing further south, Yaroubiah near Tel Kocher.

It will force major projects to close, both in Hol camp and for 1.8 million civilians in need of aid in NE Syria - schools, hospitals, basic aid distribution. "Closing Tel Kocher, will cause problems at Semalka." As well as choking off aid, there are fears this decision will enable Damascus to apply political pressure on North and East Syria to accede to its demands. "Official aid must already arrive with the approval of the regime. Until now no support was sent to Washokani [camp housing IDPs from Sere Kaniye] because the regime does not support it" says Mr. Bro. "Now we will be surrounded, and the regime will do what it wants."