International and regional powers keep the border crossings in North-East Syria closed as earthquake victims are desperately looking for humanitarian aid.

The Til Kocher (Al-Yaroubia) border gate has been closed since 2020 after a veto decision issued by Russia and China in the UN Security Council, while the Bab al-Hawa crossing in Idlib, which is controlled by the invading Turkish state and the Jabhat al-Nusra group, remains open.

Despite a recent US decision to moderate the sanctions on Syria for 180 days, the embargo imposed on North and East Syria continues despite the February 6 earthquake that was centered in Turkey and devastated parts of Syria as well.

Speaking to ANHA, Mihemed Beşir, a member of the Cizire Region Intellectuals Union Board, said: “Obstacles must be overcome, political disagreements must be set aside and border gates must be opened to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the earthquake-hit areas.”

Beşir stated that the KDP did not allow the delivery of humanitarian through the Semalka border crossing because of the pressure of the invading Turkish state. Beşir remarked that these parties remained hostile towards the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria because they did not recognize its political status and role.

Playwright and director Deham Setam remarked that the humanitarian aid issue is not the main concern of the states which prioritize their own interests. “There is an international and regional morality crisis,” he added.