United Nations: Despite being designated as a so-called de-escalation zone, jet fighters flown by the Syrian government and its Russian allies continue to bomb the besieged Damascus suburb of Eastern Ghouta, reports Al Jazeera. The UN says about 400,000 civilians who remain trapped there are facing a "complete catastrophe" because the government has blocked aid deliveries.

The humanitarian situation in the besieged area is getting increasingly worse, the UN has warned.