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IDF reveals aid operation to Syria

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The Israel Defence Forces published details yesterday of the extent of humanitarian aid sent to Syria as part of what it calls “Operation Good Neighbour”.

The initiative was launched in 2016 to increase civilian aid and medical assistance for Syrians without becoming involved  in the Syrian civil war.

Humanitarian aid has been provided to 200,000 Syrian citizens living in the Hauran region of southwestern Syria, a third of which are displaced persons or refugees and half under the age of 18.

Brig.-Gen. Yaniv Ashur said that more than 360 tons of food and flour, 456,000 litres of gas, 100 tons of clothes, 12 tons of shoes as well as generators and mobile caravans to use as clinics or classrooms have been given to Syrian civilians in the the past year.

In addition, 12,000 packages of baby formula and 1,800 packages of diapers have been sent across the border, as well as 600 meters of piping to re-establish ruined water infrastructure, providing 5,000 people with running water in the region.

A central element of the IDF’s humanitarian operation is to treat injured and ill Syrians. Since 2013, 3,000 Syrians have been provided with medical treatment in Israel. In the last year, 1,000 children have been treated in Israel and 600 children and their parents come to Israel every month for medical treatment.

The IDF announced that it provides aid to Syrians along the border for two reasons – a moral imperative and the belief that the aid will ultimately create a less hostile environment across the border.