On September 20, 2014, a humanitarian NGO announced its intentions to send 2000 tons of flour and 10,000 health and food baskets to northern areas in Syria out of regime control. The British relief organization, Human Appeal, also announced its decision to launch its fifth aid campaign for Syrians. The announcement was made in a press conference attended by Ihsan for Relief and Development alongside a number of other relief organizations in Antakya. Othman Muqbel, executive director of Human Appeal, stated in front of the press that the organization is set to sending 4000 tons of flour to Syria before the start of 2015. Muhanad Othman represented Ihsan, and outlined the immense human struggle Syrians experience daily, and the coordination necessary among relief organizations to respond to the massive aid needs. He also highlighted the unique and essential role Syrian Forum plays in aid work due to its far spreading reach within Syria. The price of bread in Syria has soared in areas outside regime control. Lack of government support for essential products, and rising inflation have stunted Syrian’s ability to purchase. Muhanad Othman also stressed the importance of supporting development sectors in Syria “To create a new and simplified temporary local economy that can meet many of local needs until suffering ends in its entirety and life returns to normal.” Human Appeal ranks among the most important aid organizations operating in Syria. It has provided substantial support to bakeries throughout Syria in the northern, central and eastern regions. It also played an important role in supporting aid and educational projects since 2011.
