The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is attempting to negotiate a temporary ceasefire with the authorities in Syria so that it can deliver essential humanitarian supplies.

The fighting in certain parts of the country has become more intense in recent weeks, and organisations including the United Nations have reported that hospitals are being targeted by the military. According to news reports 16 people in the city of Homs were reported to have died on Tuesday after the government shelled the city.

The ICRC is already working in the country but says that certain areas are short of essential medical supplies and food. …