For three days, Syria's Idlib province experienced respite from months of airstrikes by Syrian and Russian forces. Shelling continued, however, throughout the conditional cease-fire until the Syrian army declared an end to the truce Monday, citing a breach in terms by rebel factions.
Three days weren't enough for doctors to replenish supplies and account for significant losses, such as of personnel or structural damage to medical facilities.
The situation described by the doctors concurs with the United Nations assessment that Idlib is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster, following the destruction of medical centers and civilian infrastructure.
Ayman, media manager for Syria's civil defense, a volunteer organization also known as the White Helmets that operates in parts of rebel-controlled Syria, described the truce as a delicate period of respite.
The short duration of the truce meant the focus had to be on safe return, rather than replacing these losses.
Fared Alhor, a media activist and photographer based in Idlib's countryside, also said the main activity during the truce had been the return of displaced people to Idlib.
Although Alhor said Idlib experienced a relative calm during the three days, he warned against describing it as a period of total reprieve.
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