31.01, 14:00 CET – Ceasefire agreement but the siege continues
Ceasefire agreement but the siege continues
Although a comprehensive ceasefire agreement has been reached between the SDF and the Syrian Interim Regime, humanitarian aid is still being blocked from entering Kobanê. The humanitarian crisis in other regions continues as well. The humanitarian crisis continues, and a new wave of attacks on the DAANES can only be prevented if pressure on the HTS and its allies continues to grow.
Ceasefire agreement
The agreement was not the result of a change in attitude by the HTS and its allies, but rather the outcome of immense pressure placed on them. This pressure was generated by the Kurdish people’s united stance and an international solidarity movement that brought hundreds of thousands of people into the streets. In an interview, Salih Muslim, a member of the Democratic Union Party’s (PYD) presidential council, stated that the ceasefire agreement is just the beginning and called on everyone to remain alert. The agreement proves that our struggle, especially the national unity of the Kurdish people against attacks, has once again forced the HTS to the negotiating table. Still, many issues remain unclear. In a press conference yesterday, Ilham Ahmed stated that the question of women in military and civil society structures remains unresolved.
Aldar Xelil, a member of the PYD’s presidential council, stated that the agreement is part of the struggle for democracy and unity that must continue with greater strength than before through democratic means. In all interviews conducted yesterday with representatives of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), it was emphasized that, although the agreement does not fully align with the Administration’s wishes, the main goal of preventing genocide has been achieved and must now be ensured through continued efforts.
All military activities have ceased at all points of contact. The SDF is planning to withdraw all its forces from the cities of Hesekeh and Qamişlo. The HTS has agreed to withdraw all its forces to Shaddadi, a city in southern Hesekeh.
People’s Caravan arrested near Urfa
On January 30, a delegation of journalists and activists from Germany was deported. Then, on their way to Kobanê, 29 members of the People’s Caravan to Defend Humanity were arrested. Currently, the Caravan members are being transferred to Istanbul for deportation to their home countries.
